Fantasy Junction

Description

1972 Alfa Romeo Montreal
s/n AR1426012, eng. no. AR00564*01009*
Black with Black Interior

The Alfa Romeo Montreal remains today one of the most exotic and interesting Alfa Romeos ever built. Powered by a detuned version of the astonishing quad-cam fuel-injected, dry sump V8 of the legendary Tipo 33 racer, the Montreal featured a 5-speed ZF transmission, disc brakes all around, and a chassis derived from the venerable 105-series Alfa. Originally developed and featured at the Montreal Expo in 1967, the stylish Marcello Gandini design was both striking and aerodynamic, featuring many ideas that would inspire future sports cars. Expensive when new and constructed with great care using time-consuming hand labor, just 3925 Montreals were constructed during the seven year production run from 1970 to 1977. The Montreal deeply impressed contemporary press, who cited sophisticated mechanicals, impressive roadholding, and advanced styling, all of which distinguish the car as a desirable and collectible Italian thoroughbred. Although the Montreal was never imported to North America, the combination of sophisticated mechanicals, striking aesthetics, and performance means that they have found as enthusiastic a following here as any Italian sports car.

This particular Montreal belongs to a California-based collector, who bought it out of another collection. It presents with excellent black finish and wonderfully preserved original black interior. The black paint gives very unique look to the car as the striking and unique body side ventilation slots offer a more subtle effect, conveying the purity of Gandini’s original form. Further, the eyebrow headlights and central hood scoop, normally strong and contrasting visual elements, integrate more completely into the overall design of the car. Indeed the rare and striking black finish presents a lean profile, complemented by the expansive glass and dramatic side window up-sweep reminiscent another of Gandini’s designs, the Lamborghini Miura. The black paint is in excellent condition with uniform coverage and deep gloss, highlighting a straight body with excellent panel fit. The exterior trim is also in good to excellent condition with very nicely polished parts and stainless steel trim. There is some minor damage to the trim to the right of the grille as well as some pitting on the grille surround and door handles. The remaining trim, glass, and plastic lenses are all in very good to excellent condition including the beautifully shaped and blissfully delicate stainless steel rear bumper. The characteristic side vent screens are in very good condition, none of which have become cracked or broken. Condition and consistency of the exterior paint and trim truly makes for a very pleasing overall visual impact, an impression which continues in the remarkably preserved interior.

The unrestored black interior is largely original, having been properly maintained and stored. The interior features the correct seats with black cloth upholstery. The seating surfaces are nicely preserved, showing minor signs of use and aging but still exhibiting very nicely maintained original finishes and foam. The dashboard, console, and door panels all display a very nice, cohesive presentation, with minor dash cracks but no other significant blemishes. The Paolo Martin-designed instruments are a fantastic and evocative period affair, combining striking design with excellent legibility, a pair of attributes that don’t always go hand in hand. Handsomely adorned with factory switches, correct original knobs, and delightful 5-speed ZF dogleg gear selector, the interior has an evocative and distinctively 1970s atmosphere that will excite even the most jaded vintage car enthusiast. The traditional wood-rimmed steering wheel is deeply dished and has distinctive horn pushes which operate the traditional FIAMM air horns. Carpeting (including areas covering the rear compartment shelf and side panels), headliner, and various interior trim all remain in very nice original condition. The unique foldable rear storage compartment safely conceals contents from view through the expansive rear glass. The foldable tray is nicely covered in original materials, with some vinyl areas having relaxed a bit over time, but still retaining remarkably nice finish overall. Beneath the carpeted floor panel, a full sized matching spare wheel with matching Michelin tire is recessed in the spare tire well.

Under the hood, the quad-cam V8 is very nicely presented, featuring a combination of restored components and attractive original features. The Spica fuel injection system retains the correct original steel-formed air plenum, correct three-eared fasteners, correct injection pump, and proper fuel lines. The remaining hardware, wiring, hoses, and fasteners throughout the engine compartment and firewall all have been very nicely detailed, also reflecting originality or factory correct replacements where needed. The twin cam valve covers remain in their correct raw metal finish and are in very good original shape. Original factory stickers, specification emblems, and stamped metal plates are all in excellent condition. Although the original factory air conditioning is still mounted on the car, it is currently not functional, though a spare unit is included with the car.

Underneath, the car is structurally excellent and in good cosmetic condition, exhibiting a tidy chassis floor, clean engine and gearbox castings, and factory finishes. There is no evidence of structural compromise, evidence of any previous rust repairs, or damage to the body or undercarriage. Condition of the car overall strongly supports the indicated mileage (99,964 kilometers) as being correct and likely original.

The car starts easily and idles smoothly with a nice throaty exhaust note reflective of the quad cam V8 engine and Spica fuel injection, with a meaty character that belies the engine’s 2.6 liter displacement. Throttle response is crisp and the gearbox is easily engaged with smooth operation in all gears, a noteworthy departure compared to contemporary Ferraris. The engine pulls strongly with progressive power, briskly climbing to highway speeds accompanied by a wonderful soundtrack. The chassis has an impressive planted feel that combines sure-footedness with civilized ride quality in a coherent way that makes the car a pleasure to drive for sport or touring purposes. Braking is responsive from all four discs, bringing the car down smoothly and confidently even under hard pressure. Seating position, controls, and visibility are all very nicely engineered and effectively packaged in this truly dramatic and uniquely designed flagship Alfa Romeo. The car is accompanied by its original manual and a spare factory air conditioning unit.

For anyone who has ever desired one of Alfa Romeo’s most elusive and interesting road cars, the quad-cam V8 powered Montreal surely will excite even the most particular enthusiasts. Beautifully styled by Gandini and coachbuilt by Bertone, the Alfa Romeo Montreal is a welcome antidote to the more routine vintage car choices at virtually any price point. This particular example is in excellent cosmetic and operating condition and represents a rare opportunity to acquire an exceptional, sorted example of this unique car in North America.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608