Project Description
Alfa Romeo 1750 GT Veloce
An exquisite Series 1 Alfa Romeo 1750 GT Veloce - Tipo 105.44 - with rare sliding sunroof
Price
SOLDYear
1969Mls/Kms
59,898 kilometersSold in
FranceHistory File
The Alfa Romeo 105 (and 115) series coupés are a range of cars made by the illustrious Italian manufacturer from 1963 until 1977 with groundbreaking styling features for the era. All models feature the four cylinders, all-light-alloy Alfa Romeo Twin Cam engine in various cubic capacities from 1290 cc to 1962 cc, all with two valves per cylinder. All versions of this engine fitted to the 105 series coupés featured twin carburetors. Common to all models was also a 5-speed manual transmission and solid disc brakes on all four wheels. The 105 series coupés featured the GT (Gran Turismo) model description, which was common to all models in one form or another. There were 1,542 AR Tipo 105.44 cars built which relates to LHD cars for the European and Rest of the World markets. This particular model (AR1 365 639), with a very rare sliding roof, was initially registered in Switzerland on the 25th April 1969, before arriving in Germany in 2010 to become part of a famous collection of classic cars. In 2012 it was extensively restored by Alfa Romeo marque specialist Winfried Edelmann in Düsseldorf, Germany. It would eventually receive its current German registration in April 2013 and has been regularly used and maintained ever since. The car is not perfect by any means but, for an older restoration, it’s still in remarkable condition with a nicely balanced combination of restored and original features.
Exterior
The 1750 GTV was externally a significant departure from the earlier cars in the range. A new nose styling eliminated the so called “stepped” hood of the Giulia Sprint and also incorporated twin headlamps. The early (Series 1) 1750 GTV’s featured the same bumpers as the Giulia Sprint GT Veloce but, with the front bumper modified to mount the indicator/sidelight units on the top of its corners, just as one can see in our 1969 example. Other series 1 features are the 1750 badge over the Alfa Romeo emblem, and C Pillar gold (not green) Quadrifoglio (4 leafed clover) badges. This Rosso (colour code AR501) example presents beautifully and was painted in 2012 during the cars restoration by marque specialist Winfried Edelmann in Germany. Today, it still shows a lovely overall clean finish. During the restoration, the car’s rear chrome bumper was replaced but the front one is the original.
Interior
The interior was also much modified over that of earlier models; this Series 1 car shows the new dashboard with large speedometer and tachometer instruments in twin binnacles closer to the driver’s line of sight. The new seats introduced adjustable headrests which merged with the top of the seat when fully down. Keen Alfa eyes will note these sought after Series 1 seats with incorporated side vents which were recently re-upholstered by marque specialist Fm Liermann in Düsseldorf, Germany. The window winder levers, the door release levers and the quarter light vent knobs were also restyled for the Series 1 cars. Possibly one area in our example that could now be replaced (through time) is the carpets but, they are also perfectly serviceable. But without question, the overall highlight is the ultra-rare sliding roof which is operated by a pull down lever to enable the roof to slide back and forth. There are no records of Alfa ever offering a roof as an option on the GTV, so we believe that this was completed at dealership level, and probably in Switzerland, where the car hails from. The result is superb and the headlining is still in pristine condition. The roof was also serviced during the restoration. The boot area still retains its original cream coloured liner with Alfa emblem, along with the cars original jack.
Documents
Engine & Transmission
The 1750 GTV replaced the Giulia Sprint GT Veloce and introduced many updates and modifications. Most significantly, the engine capacity was increased to 1779 cc displacement, with peak power from the engine now increased to 122 PS (90 kW; 120 hp) at 5500 rpm. The result for the new Veloce was a much more flexible car to drive and it was also easier to maintain higher average speeds for potential fast touring. This particular example displays an immaculate engine bay and is commensurate with such a low kilometer example. The above mentioned restoration included: a complete gearbox overhaul with a new clutch; suspension overhaul with new Koni shocks; a full service with all fluids changed; a rear axle overhaul and a new exhaust. The car has since been regularly used and driven almost 4000 kilometers. A real driver’s car with excellent acceleration and a sweet exhaust note, and if you’ve never driven one of these cars, it really is an experience not to be missed.
Wheels, Tyres & Brakes
This particular car is now fitted with fairly new Uniroyal 185/70 R14 tires and 5 spoke light alloy wheels, which suit the car well. The car received a complete brake overhaul during the 2012 restoration. It pulls up well and straight with its all-round ATE discs brakes.
Underneath
