Description
Alfa Romeo Montreal | 1974
Highlights:
– Rare Italian V8 coupe with Bertone styling
– Rebuilt engine with hardened crankshaft and new internals
– Long-term Belgian ownership since new
– Stored in Abarth museum between 2013 and 2021
– Matching-original interior and body with updated red finish
The seller offers for sale this 1974 Alfa Romeo Montreal, a standout classic with a distinctive V8 engine and iconic wedge styling by Marcello Gandini for Bertone. Originally sold new in Belgium and first registered in June 1974, the Montreal was factory-finished in orange but was repainted red in the early 1980s by a previous owner who preferred a deeper tone. The car always been stored as part of a private collection.
This example features Alfa’s unique 2.6-litre V8 engine with Spica mechanical fuel injection, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Around 2009, the engine was rebuilt by a specialist in Anderlecht. Work included grinding and hardening the crankshaft, fitting new pistons and liners, a new timing chain and guides, rebuilt cylinder heads with new valves and guides, and a new water pump.
The paintwork is said to be in good condition, showing no need for cosmetic repairs despite no longer being in its factory hue. The exterior panels are straight, and there are no known signs of corrosion. The interior retains its original seat upholstery in cloth and has recently received a new black carpet set. Overall, the interior is clean, well-kept, and unmodified, with only light signs of age.
Mechanically, the car is described as good. Lights and indicators are functional. The Montreal is not currently road-legal due to its long-standing inactivity and lack of a valid inspection certificate, but it comes with Belgian paperwork and has no known structural faults or crash history.
The car stood on display in the Abarth Museum from 2013 until 2021 and has remained in a static collection since then. The car starts, runs, and shifts, but will require recommissioning before being road-ready, including light tuning, inspection, and new tyres, as the current set dates back several decades.
The Alfa Romeo Montreal is one of the most distinctive grand tourers of the 1970s. Originally conceived as a concept car for Expo 67 in Montreal, Canada, the positive reception prompted Alfa to produce a road version. Underneath its rakish styling lies a detuned version of the Tipo 33 V8 racing engine, making it one of the few production cars of its time with racing-bred hardware. Designed by Marcello Gandini of Bertone—also known for the Lamborghini Miura—the Montreal featured a unique retractable headlight design, NACA ducts, and a highly detailed dashboard layout.
Although Alfa built fewer than 4,000 units between 1970 and 1977, many Montreals fell into obscurity due to the complex nature of their Spica fuel injection systems and limited parts support outside Italy. However, a resurgence in interest over the last two decades has brought renewed appreciation for these cars, particularly examples with documented history, original configuration, and rebuilt drivetrains.
Today, the Montreal represents a blend of high-revving V8 excitement, Italian flair, and relative rarity. This Belgian-delivered car—with known ownership history, a rebuilt engine, and an original interior—offers a compelling opportunity for collectors who appreciate Alfa’s blend of performance and design. While it requires some recommissioning, its structural and cosmetic originality make it an appealing candidate for light restoration or show use.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
4. Very Good: Small dents or scratches; may require minimal bodywork or paint correction.
Condition of the Interior
4. Very Good: Clean with minimal wear; may need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical Condition
3. Good: Generally reliable, but may need some maintenance or repairs.
Overall Condition
4. Very Good Condition: Shows only minimal wear and is ready to drive at any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in Antwerp province, Belgium.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a Belgian registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
