BaT Auction: 1972 Alfa Romeo Montreal

This 1972 Alfa Romeo Montreal shows 91,766 kilometers (57,021 miles) and is powered by a 2.6 liter V8 paired to a 5-speed ZF manual gearbox. The first owner purchased the car in Italy on May 31, 1972, and in turn sold it to the second Italian owner on May 7, 1975. Two years later on April 21, 1977 the third owner purchased the car in Italy, and in the fall of that year imported it to his home in Lawrence, Massachusetts. It was acquired in June 1978 by another Massachusetts resident, the fourth owner, who kept the car for 19 years before selling it to the most recent owner in May 1997 with 58,620 kms (36,425 miles). He added a little over 500 miles per year until recently passing away. This Montreal is now offered by the selling dealer on behalf of his estate. Recent mechanical service included an upgraded Bosch fuel pump, oil change, and new air filters. Original owner’s manuals, an Italian service booklet, and other documents verify mileage and are included in the sale along with a clear New Hampshire title.

The Montreal was the production realization of a concept car styled by Bertone and presented at the Montreal expo in 1967. Design and engineering features found on the Montreal can be attributed from other Bertone-bodied cars like the GTV and the Lamborghini Miura, and it is believed that just 3,925 examples left the plant in Arese, Italy from 1970-1977.

The original paint code sticker showing ORO 826 (Metallic Gold) is still in place, though it appears that the car has been repainted. The seller notes that the body is straight with no signs of any rust repair, or metal replacement, and reports that the only signs of damage are a welded repair at the driver side headlight brow bracket that can be seen in the image gallery below. The vacuum controlled retractable headlight brows move up and down with a bit of manual assistance and will require additional sorting out to operate as designed. All other lights and indicators are said to be fully functional.

The stock suspension features double wishbones, coils, and shocks up front, and a Giulia-style live rear axle with limited-slip differential at the rear. The Burman recirculating-ball steering is precise and light at higher speeds, and four-wheel ventilated discs provide stopping power. The 14″ Campagnolo magnesium-aluminum alloy wheels have a few blemishes and wear BF Goodrich Radial T/As with good tread left.

The interior shows little wear in photos aside from a small crack in the center console to the upper right of the head unit. The velour fabric on the front seats is in good shape with no rips or tears, and the original carpets have been preserved under the floormats. A single scratch in the back hatch glass can be seen in photos, though the remaining glass is free of damage.

The factory Jaeger gauges are all in working order with the odometer showing 91,766 kilometers. The lights, clock, and remaining switchgear are functioning properly, and an aftermarket Blaupunkt AM/FM cassette radio was fitted by a previous owner.

Employing a de-tuned version of the quad-cam dry sump V8 from the Tipo 33 racer, the Montreal’s 2.6 liter engine is paired to a 5-speed ZF transmission and features SPICA fuel injection. The motor looks clean in the tidy engine compartment and all the factory stickers and emblems appear to be present.

The chassis #AR1426501 stamp in the engine bay can be seen above.

Several pictures of the undercarriage have been provided and show surface rust on some of the exhaust and suspension components.

Documents include the previous bill of sale and title, as well as the original Italian service book, sales brochure, and owner’s manual. No service records were found by the owner’s estate managers after he passed away. The car was serviced by the seller in preparation for sale and is available for inspection at his New Hampshire facility.