1973 Alfa Romeo Montreal
A striking Italian sports car captivated automotive enthusiasts in the 1970s with its blend of style and performance: the 1973 Alfa Romeo Montreal.
This unique vehicle, born from a concept showcased at the 1967 International and Universal Exposition in Montreal, combined Marcelo Gandini’s innovative design with Alfa Romeo’s racing pedigree.
The Montreal’s exterior was a testament to Gandini’s visionary approach. Its wide, low-slung body featured a shark-like nose that flowed into curved fenders and muscular shoulder haunches, terminating in a truncated tail.
Distinctive elements like the headlight “blinds” and stacked horizontal vents on the C-pillar added futuristic flair. These design cues, reminiscent of Gandini’s work on the Lamborghini Miura, set the Montreal apart from its contemporaries.
Under the hood, the Montreal housed a powerplant that belied its elegant exterior. Alfa Romeo equipped the car with a modified version of the V-8 engine from their Tipo 33 Stradale prototype racer.
This 2,593 cc DOHC V-8, featuring aluminum alloy construction and Spica mechanical fuel injection, produced 200 bhp. The engine’s racing lineage was evident in its dry-sump lubrication system and high-revving nature, providing the Montreal with performance that matched its looks.
The Montreal’s chassis was based on Alfa Romeo’s respected 105 Series, but with significant modifications to handle the V-8’s power. It featured independent front suspension, a live rear axle with coil springs, and four-wheel disc brakes.
A five-speed manual transmission allowed drivers to make the most of the engine’s broad powerband.
In the competitive landscape of early 1970s sports cars, the Montreal stood out from rivals like the Porsche 911 and Jaguar E-Type. Its combination of exotic styling and a race-bred engine offered a unique proposition in the market.
The interior of the Montreal reflected its grand touring aspirations. Comfortable seats, wrapped in quality materials, provided support for long drives. The dashboard, with its driver-focused layout, housed a full complement of gauges to monitor the car’s vital statistics. Some examples, came equipped with rare factory air conditioning.
One of the most notable aspects of the Montreal was its limited production. Just 3,925 examples were built between 1971 and 1975, with only an estimated 100 making their way to the United States. This rarity has contributed to the Montreal’s desirability among collectors and enthusiasts.
The legacy of the 1973 Alfa Romeo Montreal continues to grow. Its striking design, penned by one of the automotive world’s most renowned stylists, has aged gracefully.
Credit: RM Sotheby’s
