1972 Alfa Romeo Montreal Coupé

• Delivered new to the UK
• Left-hand drive
• Present ownership since 1979
• An older restoration
• Well maintained

Inspired by Bertone's Alfa-based styling exercise penned by Marcello Gandini, which had been exhibited at the 1967 Montreal Expo, the two-seater Montreal coupé debuted at the Geneva Salon in 1970. Unlike the Expo prototype, which used Alfa's 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, the production Montreal used a 'civilised' version of the T33 sports prototype's four-cam V8 displacing 2.6 litres. Further enlargement to 3.0 litres followed, in which form the Alfa T33 engine was even tested in Formula One by McLaren.

Producing 200bhp at 6,500rpm courtesy of electronic ignition and Spica mechanical fuel injection, the Montreal's front-mounted, dry-sump, 2.6-litre engine drove the rear wheels via a ZF five-speed gearbox. Sourced from the contemporary Giulia 1750 GTV, the running gear comprised independent front suspension and a live rear axle plus disc brakes all round. Aided by its slippery, fastback body, the Montreal was good for a top speed of 220km/h (136mph), and in spite of the hefty price tag proved very popular. A total of 3,925 cars had been produced when production ceased in 1977, only a relative handful of which were completed with the full 3.0-litre engine. Very few road cars can claim an engine with antecedents in both long-distance sports car racing and Formula 1, but the Alfa Romeo Montreal is one of them.

One of very few Montreals delivered to the UK, this example arrived here in 1972 and was sold new in May 1973 finished in Bertone Green with a black interior. 'WAM 16' is believed to be the original registration number. Our vendor acquired the Montreal on 9th November 1979 and had it restored by Ivan Kessell Garages in the early 1980s (no bills are available as it was his own business). The lower panels and inner sills were replaced; the chassis Waxoyled; and the car repainted in AR602 Metallic Orange.

The comprehensive history file has been maintained throughout the vendor's ownership. Recent invoices include those for an Alfaholics stainless steel exhaust (2015); new tyres (2015); modified steering box and new track-rod ends (2015); new brake pads, calipers, master and slave cylinders (2013); and various other works (2015). Other documents include correspondence with the Alfa Romeo Archive confirming the date of manufacture; old MoT certificates; Alfa Romeo owners' club correspondence; Blaupunkt stereo instructions; an original Alfa Romeo instruction book, dealers lists and workshop manual; V5 registration certificates; and a copy of Alfa Romeo Montreal: The Essential Companion by Bruce Taylor.

Having been unused for a period of time, we would recommend that all usual safety checks and servicing be carried out before returning to the road.