1977 ALFA ROMEO ALFETTA GTV

This Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV is a wonderful Italian classic, presented in superb condition following an extensive restoration, and accompanied by some superb documentation. Under the bonnet is the characterful 2.0-litre twin-cam Alfa inline-four, coupled to a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 98,936 miles.

The 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. These Alfettas offer spritely driving characteristics in a handsome package.

First registered on 22 August 1977, this original UK-market Alfetta has seven previous keepers on the log book - one of which was respected motoring journalist and regular Autocar contributor, Richard Bremner. It has been with the vendor for the last seven years.

Its bodywork and paint are in excellent condition, and the quality of the cosmetic restoration work speaks for itself. For even more peace of mind, the respray was also well documented in a photo book that accompanies the car, showing it being stripped down, primed and painted in its original hue of the desirable Rosso Alfa. The vendor states that it would benefit from a full detailing session to remove small polishing blemishes, but it is clearly an exceptionally smart example.

The chassis was also attended to, and photos of the underside in the gallery below provide a clear view of its condition today. All of the exterior chrome presents well, with only very minor imperfections in a few places, and the car rides on a set of 14-inch alloy wheels, which are in great shape.

Inside, the grey velour seat upholstery remains original, though it has been recoloured to rejuvenate the appearance as part of the restoration. There are no rips or other damage to the material, and the side panel trims and door cards are also original, showing only minor signs of ageing. The dashboard still presents well, given a touch of sophistication with the wood inlay strip across the centre, and with its period-perfect boxy instrument binnacles. A Pioneer radio cassette head unit is the only more modern addition to the interior. The fuel gauge and rev counter are currently inoperative, and there is no choke cable currently fitted as the vendor has been advised not to use one with the twin-cam engine.

During the restoration, the engine was removed to receive an exhaustive top-end overhaul, including all new valves, seats and guides, and with fully rebuilt carburettors. As with the exterior work, the refurbishment was fully documented in the accompanying photo book. It has been fitted with new spark plugs, HT ignition leads, a new master cylinder and brake fluid reservoir, and the chassis was completely under-sealed. The car has largely been in storage for the last four years, and has not been driven in the last year, other than to extract the car for photography. There are no reported faults, but it would of course benefit from a good long drive.

While exempt from mandatory annual inspections on the basis of age, this Alfetta GTV was put through an MOT test on 15 January 2021 at 98,932 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with an advisory regarding slight play in the offside inner track arm, and the tester noting the presence of underseal. There are Toyo tyres on the front and Pirelli items on the rear, and all four are in good condition.

The accompanying excellent history file includes some wonderful original literature, including the workshop manual and the stamped service coupon book, as well as some period Alfa Romeo Owners Club concours paperwork. There is an old registration document, numerous invoices and receipts, and a number of old MOT certificates. A cut-out article from Classic Cars magazine showing the Alfa Romeo when in Richard Bremner’s ownership is also included. Finally, the vendor is also offering the car with a number of spare parts, including a nearside door, gearbox, two new-old-stock rear wheel arches, and four original spare wheels - as shown in the photo gallery. An original jack is also stored in the boot.

This Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV is a well-documented example of a characterful 1970s sporting coupe, which benefits from a recent and extensive high-quality restoration. Refreshed in its original Rosso Alfa colour, and retaining its rejuvenated original interior, this is a charming classic that would be a credit to any collection, and will no doubt prove to be a delight to drive whenever the next owner chooses to get behind the wheel.

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All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.