1974 Alfa Romeo Montreal Fastback Coupe

The two-seater Alfa Romeo Montreal Coupe, designed by Marcello Gandini, made its debut at the Geneva Salon in 1970. Unlike the four-cylinder prototype, the production Montreal used a version of the T33 sports-racing prototype's four-cam V8 engine, which had first appeared in a road car in the T33 Stradale of 1967 and in 3.0-liter form would be used by McLaren in Formula 1. The V8 in its original 2.0-liter capacity was used in the limited edition Stradale but the Montreal's version was enlarged to 2,593cc. The front-mounted engine had a dry-sump lubrication system and offered 200 horsepower. The power was sent to the rear wheels via a ZF five-speed gearbox.

The Montreal had an aerodynamic body that helped the V8 carry it to a top speed of 140 mph.

Production ceased in 1977 after 3,925 examples had been built.

The Alfa Romeo Montreal was never originally sold in the United States. This particular example left the factory finished in a color scheme of Argento Silver Metallic with a red leather interior. When new, it was delivered to France, a popular destination for Montreals. Its first known owner was Xavier Blanchard of Campiegne, a commune along the Oise River in northern France. Mr. Blanchard acquired the car in 1985 and retained it until 2012 when it was sold to an American enthusiast.

The current owner had the car repainted in correct silver and the interior renewed in the red hides it wears today.

Currently, there are fewer than 100 examples residing in the United States.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2014