1970 Alfa Romeo Montreal
Presented as a concept car, it was
stylistically different from any previous Alfa and reached full scale
production 1970.
Built as a 2+2 coupé, the Montreal was distinguished
by its front headlight treatment by designer Marcello Gandini at Bertone. He
fitted the headlights beind four unusual grilles which, by the time the car
reached prodcution in 1970, were replaced by larger, single panels. Other
unique details included a hood-mounted NACA duct and nonfunctional slats behind
the doors.
The first two prototypes were powered by an inline-4
from the Alfa Romeo Giulia, but the production version was much more serious.
Instead it was powered by 90° V8, with competition features like dry-sump
lubrication and SPICA fuel injection. This was a derivative of the same potent
V8 which was used in the Alfa Romeo 33 racecar.
Chassis details were lent from the Giulia GTV
including its double wishbone front suspension with a live axle in the rear.
Almost 4000 Montreals were produced from 1970 to
1977. Ironically, none were ever sold in Montreal because Alfa Romeo was
limited to European markets.
