Alfa Romeo Montreal

Alfa Romeo Montreal

The Alfa Romeo Montreal remains one of the marque's most distinctive and exotic offerings, combining race-bred mechanicals with dramatic Bertone styling. Unveiled as a concept at Expo 67 in Montreal, the overwhelmingly positive reception convinced Alfa Romeo to produce the car, though it took until 1970 for production to begin. The production version retained the concept's most striking feature: distinctive slats covering the headlights that opened when the lights were switched on.

Under the hood sat a detuned version of Alfa Romeo's Tipo 33 sports racing car V8, reduced from 2.0 to 2.6 liters for greater torque and reliability. The all-aluminum quad-cam engine featured mechanical fuel injection by SPICA and produced 200 horsepower at 6,500 rpm. While modest by exotic standards, the willing nature of the V8 and its glorious soundtrack made every drive an event. The engine was mounted well back in the chassis for improved weight distribution.

The Bertone-styled body was constructed of steel with aluminum hood and doors, keeping weight to a reasonable 2,866 pounds. Handling was typical Alfa - sharp, responsive, and engaging, with excellent steering feel and well-balanced chassis dynamics. The interior featured comprehensive Veglia instrumentation, leather seats, and a purposeful driving environment, though rear seats were for children only.

Production ended in 1977 after approximately 3,925 examples were built, with the oil crisis and Alfa's financial difficulties contributing to its demise. The Montreal never achieved commercial success when new, being expensive and somewhat impractical, but has since gained significant collector appreciation. Today it's recognized as one of the most beautiful and distinctive Alfas ever made, offering genuine exotic car presence with motorsport pedigree.