1976 ALFA ROMEO ALFETTA GTV 2.0

This 1976 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV 2.0 is a compelling example of a Giugiaro classic, presented in the gorgeous colour combination of Blu Pervinca with Orange cloth. It is powered by the most powerful 2.0-litre variant of the much-adored twin-cam Alfa DOHC four-cylinder engine. The 2.0-litre engined variant of the model was officially named GTV (with the ‘V’ standing for Veloce or ‘fast’), while the smaller engined variants were called GTs.

The Alfetta GTV is noted for the position of its transaxle, as the five-speed manual transmission and the clutch are mounted in the rear, which combined with the De-Dion rear axle offered great handling with a 50:50 weight distribution. Therefore, these rear-wheel drive Alfettas offer spritely driving characteristics in a very attractive package.

An early example built within the first two years of production, the odometer currently indicates 64,000 kilometres. Benefitting from the slim chrome bumpers that came before later large rubber units, as well as many other more elegant touches, these earlier cars represent the purest expression of the Alfetta (or “Little Alfa”). Optioned with rare air-conditioning and Voxson radio, this example presents in great condition today, having received a repaint while leaving the interior completely original and unrestored.

The car was first registered on 9 August 1976 and currently resides in Germany, where it received a German TÜV, including classic car status, in August 2019. Although the car is very much ready to drive, it is not currently registered.

The bodywork is in good shape, as a result of the aforementioned repaint, with a small bubble on the rear hatch, minor cracking in the clearcoat above the radiator, and some other imperfections, as pictured in the media gallery. The original wheels present very well, as expected on an unmodified example such as this, and there is some age-related deterioration to the exterior trim, fitting with an unrestored car of this vintage.

The striking original interior is in very good shape, only showing minor damage to the driver’s seat piping, two small localised lighter patches and a small tear between the rear headrests. The interior trim displays some scuffs, with slightly discoloured original chrome trim and lightly faded carpets.

Mechanically, the car is in excellent working order, and the present owner has covered roughly 500 kilometres in the car during his one-year ownership. Throughout this time, the car has been well cared for, with the carburettors recently correctly tuned and set-up; this is key to fully unlocking the addictive sound of these characterful engines.

In 2018, the Alfetta received a large service from Garage Cardoni in Dudelange, Luxembourg, which included fresh oil, spark plugs and a new clutch cylinder. Given the sparing use by its current owner, the car remains ready to be driven and enjoyed by the next custodian immediately. In the longer term, the vendor would advise replacement of the shock absorbers, and also perhaps new tyres, as the current tyres are from 2004 — although showing good tread.

Sold with a fully documented history, including copies of all registration documents back to 1976 and the original sales brochure and owner’s manual, this Alfetta is a charming example of an increasingly sought-after iteration of the Alfa Romeo coupé. Its condition of ‘unrestored yet cared for’ yields originality and patina in a usable package, and as an early example with the 2.0-litre engine and an eye-catching colour combination, it would surely be at home in the garage of any true Italian car enthusiast.