1974 | Alfa Romeo Montreal

Alfa Romeo was the only car manufacturer invited to the World Exhibition in Montreal, Canada in 1967. They were asked to present their view on “The ultimate dream car”. So in case you think the Alfa Romeo Montreal looks just like a concept car – then you are absolutely right!

The design draw so much publicity, Alfa Romeo felt obliged to put the car into production, giving competitors like Ferrari and Fiat Dino, Citroen SM and others something to think about . During the 3 years before production finally commenced in 1970, Alfa Romeo looked for an engine that would live up to the spectacular design of Bertone. As a super car, it could not be offered with the humble 4 cylindered 1600 ccm Nord engine from the Giulia, which sat in the concept car. Bertone wanted all their concept cars to be able to drive by itself, which was quite respectable.

The answer proved quite simple, as Alfa Romeo recently entered sports car racing with the eminent Tipo 33 prototypes. The chief of Autodelta, former Ferrari engineer Carlo Chiti had constructed a V8 with 4 overhead camshafts producing up to 350 bhp. For the Montreal Alfa Romeo chose to change make it more road usable, thus creating a fabulous oversquare engine with a displacement of 2,6 liter.

Apart from this, only minor changes occurred to the racing engine. Milder camshafts, smaller valves and lowered compression, but still a 90 degree full aluminum engine with hemispherical combustion chambers. Furthermore, the engine had dry sump lubrication and fuel injection by Spica fed via 2 Bosch fuel pumps.

A masterpiece of an engine quite similar to the Maserati and Ferrari competitors – just more durable. This was due to very expensive components only used in the 33 engine: forged steel crank shafts and pistons made of forged aluminum amongst other details. This engine has 90% of the torque ready from 2,700 rpm which makes it extremely flexible and very easy to drive in spite of its racing heritage.

Alfa Romeo chose to buy the gearbox from ZF – a 5-speed box with dog-leg and a very long 1st gear. A very wise choice, as these transmissions have proved very reliable and nearly impossible to wear out. Next to this, the rear axle got a LSD as well as a cooling sump with extra oil.

The list of technical refinements is endless, but one fact is almost unknown – the Montreal received a very comprehensive rust protection! Following the production in the small facility of Bertone, the bodies were transported to an advanced assembly factory in Grugliasco (TO), where the bodies received a zinc phosphate treatment followed by a number of catalytical treatments before final painting. The result was a level of rust protection unheard by any manufacturer at that time and very far away from the impression we all have of 1970ties Alfa Romeo rust protection…..

Does all this sound expensive? It was! For the price of a Montreal you could buy a Jaguar E Type Roadster AND a Coupe. It is quite an achievement that this car was ever produced, and today a Montreal is regarded as an iconic car based on extraordinary technique and quality.

This specific car we know very well, as it was our own car back in 1998. It was sold to a serious Alfisti, who for the past 26 years looked very well after the car. During this ownership the engine was completely overhauled by a renowned German specialist, and also brakes, suspension, fuel system etc. were restored. During this time the car didn’t drive much, although a couple of trips to the international Montreal club gatherings was done.

It has now just completed a major restoration of the body and interior as well. The body was completely dismantled and grinded down to bare metal before a high-quality painting in the classic color of Verde Metallizzato was done. The subsequent assembly of the body parts was performed with the utmost care, and now the car presents itself in a quality rarely seen. Add to this a beautiful cabin with upholstery in high quality leather, we believe the car is quite extraordinary.

It is delivered with fresh service and ready to be enjoyed.