Lot details
Registration No: TBY199W
Chassis No: 00012006
Mot Expiry: Oct 2011

The Alfetta Saloon was launched in 1972 and the 2-door fastback Coupe based on the same mechanicals followed two years later. While the saloon was designed in-house, the pretty GTV Coupe was penned by the seemingly immortal Giorgetto Giugiaro. It featured a front-mounted engine driving the rear wheels but was notable for having the clutch and gearbox at the back, integral with the differential, rather than mated to the engine. Suspension was independent by torsion bars and wishbones at the front and by coil springs and a De Dion axle located by trailing arms and transverse Watts linkage at the rear. Braking was by discs front and rear, and steering by rack and pinion. By 1976, the Coupe was powered by a 1962cc version of Alfa's creamy DOHC in-line four cylinder engine. Producing some 122bhp at 5,300rpm, this was sufficient to accelerate the Alfa to 60mph in 9.5 seconds and on to a top speed of around 120mph.

The manual right-hand drive GTV 2.0 is a 1981 example finished in attractive Verde Olivio and trimmed in Bentley Saffron leather. It is equipped with five restored Cromadora magnesium alloy wheels shod with recently purchased tyres. It is one of the last of the Series I cars and is therefore fitted with stainless steel bumpers rather than the later plastic variety. Largely thanks to extensive anti-corrosion treatment early in its life, the Alfa is said to be in unusually good condition. Moreover, the service book and old MOTs appear to confirm a pleasingly low mileage of just under 51,000 from new. As part of the collection of a well-known Alfa Romeo enthusiast, the car recently completed a fault-free 2,500 mile round trip to Milan for the Alfa Romeo Centenary Celebrations. Such apparently fine specimens are now rare indeed.

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has an MOT until October 2011.