Description
This car is Lot 185 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at the Goodwood Members' Meeting Sale on the 13th April, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Saturday 12th April from 09:00 until 17:00 and Sunday 13 April from 09:00, at Goodwood Members' Meeting.
Lot 185
Property of a deceased's estate
1975 Alfa Romeo Montreal Coupé
Registration no. OCO 10
Chassis no. 1440243
'Barn find' condition
Rare right-hand drive example
Last taxed in 1987
Offered for restoration
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 engine was used in Formula 1 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 right-hand drive example is offered from the estate of the late Philip Duffy (of PD Graphics), a famous designer of record sleeves who mixed with foremost pop stars of the day, including The Rolling Stones and Ian Dury. Philip bought the Montreal in May 1979; it was not in great shape and he set about renovating it, obtaining two 'deceased' Alfas for parts. Once restored the Montreal regularly attended ARM rallies in the UK. Last taxed in 1987 (disc on windscreen) and apparently complete, the car comes with an old-style V5 registration document; an original instruction book; original sales brochure; original steering wheel; and spare keys. Sold strictly as viewed.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
