1974 Alfa Romeo GT Veloce 2000

The Alfa Romeo GTV automobiles had stunning visual balance and performance. The first of Alfa Romeo's Bertone-styled coupes (the 1.6 liter Giulia Sprint GT) was introduced in 1963. The design was penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Bertone, and was mechanically similar to the Giulia TI sports saloon, with an independent front suspension, coil-sprung live rear axle, disc brakes, and a five-speed manual gearbox. The 1300 model, known as the GT Junior, arrived in 1966 before the launch of the 1750 GTV the following year. The 1750 GTV had a 1,799cc twin-cam four-cylinder engine delivering 118 horsepower. Despite its popularity, it had a relatively short existence before it was replaced by the 2000 GT Veloce version in 1971. It continued to use its predecessor's coachwork but with minor detail styling changes and a 132 bhp engine.

Production of the 2000GT Veloce (a.k.a. 2000 GTV) lasted until 1976. The displacement measured 1962cc with a bore of 84mm and a stroke of 88.5 mm. SPICA fuel injection continued to be fitted to cars destined for the North American market, while other markets received carburetors.

Exterior changes of the 2000 GT Veloce over its 1750 GTV sibling include the grille with horizontal chrome bars, smaller hubcaps, and 14-inch steel wheels with a 'turbina' design. Turn signals and lights were also different.

The racing versions of the Alfetta GT and GTV were built by Autodelta, initially with the normally aspirated engine from the earlier GT AM racer based on the 105 series coupe, for homologation under FIA Group 2. In this guise they were rallied with moderate success in 1975, winning the Elba and Costa Brava rallies overall, as well as success in various other racing venues.

Power was from a dual overhead cam four-cylinder engine displacing 119.7 cubic-inches and offering 130 horsepower. They had a five-speed manual transmission and disc brakes at all four corners. Pricing for the two-door coupe began at $6,450.

by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2011