1969 Alfa Romeo 1750 GT Veloce

The Alfa Romeo 105-series coupe was introduced in 1963 and remained in production through 1977. The free-revving twin-cam engine, ranging in capacity from 1290cc to 1962cc, was backed by a five-speed gearbox and four-wheel disc brakes provided the stopping power. The suspension was by wishbones and coil springs at the front and coil-sprung live axle at the rear. The steering was by recirculating ball, and the styling was penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Bertone.

The first model to be introduced was the Giulia Sprint GT of 1963, which used a 1570cc version of Alfa's sonorous twin-cam unit. It combined lightweight construction, impressive performance, and exploitable handling that made it popular with enthusiast road drivers and the competition fraternity. The ensuing Giulia Sprint GT Veloce, produced from 1965 to 1967, was very similar, distinguished by minor modifications to the body, interior, and engine. A 1300 model - the GT Junior - arrived in 1966, and the range was further extended the following year by the launch of the 1750 GTV. Production of the 1750 GTV lasted from 1967 to 1972 with 32,265 examples built.

The 1750 GTV (Gran Turismo Veloce) was powered by a 1,799cc twin-cam four-cylinder engine whose stroke was lengthened from 82 to 88.5mm over the 1600 engine. The rev limit was lowered from 7,000 RPM to 6,000 RPM and the torque increased to 186 Nm (137 ft-lb) at 3,000 RPM. It delivered around 120 horsepower and was installed in a four-headlamp version of the existing bodyshell. It continued to use the same gearbox ratios but was fitted with a higher ratio final drive. The previous 15-inch wheels were replaced by 14-inch units (165/14 Pirelli Cinturato or Michelin XAS tires and 5 1/2J x 14 wheels). The 1750 GTV underwent a minor mechanical and styling revision partway through production before being replaced by the 2000 version in 1972. An anti-roll bar was added to the rear suspension and ATE disc brakes provided the stopping power, with larger front discs and calipers than the ones used on the GT 1300 Juniors.

In the styling department, the 'stepped' hood of the Giulia Sprint GT, GTC, GTA and early GT 1300 Juniors was replaced with a new design that incorporated four headlamps. The interior contained a new dashboard with large speedometer and tachometer instrumentation in twin binnacles positioned at a more conventional angle. Angled bezels in the center console housed the auxiliary instruments. The seats were new with adjustable headrests, and the quarterlight vent knobs, window winder levers, and door release levers wore new styling.

The 1750 GTV Series 1 was produced through 1969, with the Series 2 arriving in 1970. The Series 1 used the same bumpers as the Giulia Sprint GT Veloce. U.S. market cars had the indicator lights located beneath the bumper while other market cars had them mounted on top of the bumper corners. Series 2 cars had slimmer bumpers with front and rear overriders, and front indicator/sidelights mounted to the front panel.

by Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2022