1973 Alfa Romeo Montreal FastBack Coupe

Alfa Romeo was invited to the 1967 World Expo in Montreal to submit a car intended to embody 'man's highest aspiration for automobiles.' Marcello Gandini from Bertone was entrusted to pen the car's exterior. Gandini gave the car a wide and low-slung wedge design that was eventually built in two prototypes and powered by four-cylinder engines. The car was based on Alfa Romeo's 105 series chassis and given the name 'Montreal.'

The production Montreal was given a four-cam V-8 engine that had much success in the Tipo 33 prototype race car and the rare 33 Stradale. With this engine, the Montreal was capable of achieving a top speed of 136 mph.

Production lasted six years with total output reaching 3,925 examples. These cars were built for Europe only, with perhaps just 100 of these eventually coming to the United States.

Chassis Number AR 1426330
This Alfa Romeo Montreal was sold new in Italy on January 10th of 1973, and seven years later was imported to the United States by a Los Angeles-based owner. It is believed to have lived much of its life in dry climates. It came from the factory with air-conditioning, a rare option that was installed on perhaps just 25% of the Montreals.

In August of 2003 it was discovered by its current owner. At the time it wore its original paint. The car was treated to a ground-up restoration which included new upholstery, restored stainless brightwork, and a repaint in white. The engine was given renewed valves, piston rings, bearings, and resealed along with the transmission and differential. The brake system was rebuilt with new hard lines and hoses as was the fuel system, and suspension components were re-bushed and powder coated. The restoration was completed in June of 2013.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2013