Highlights

Plenty of performance upgrades and new parts
Recent engine rebuild with few miles since
Largely original interior in tidy condition

The Appeal

Introduced in 1972, the new Alfetta saloon combined a new body shape with - initially - the 1.8-litre version of Alfa Romeo's familiar twin-cam four-cylinder engine. The GTV Coupe was introduced in 1976, offering both the 1.6 and 2 litre version of Alfa’s twin-cam four-cylinder engine, the latter producing 122hp at 5,300rpm. Featuring independent front suspension and disc brakes all round, and a De Dion rear transaxle with rear mounted clutch and gearbox giving the GTV near 50/50 weight distribution which resulted in the car having exceptional handling characteristics. It’s a real driver’s car and an all-time favourite amongst Alfa Romeo fans.

This GTV was built in 1976 for export to the USA, being first registered there in 1978 and spending the next 39 years in California, which explains its exceptional condition today.

Purchased by the seller from an Estate sale in 2017 it had spent the previous 28 years stored at that back of a hangar. It was owned by a pilot who, it appears, drove the Alfa from 1978 to 1989 when he took it off the road and dismantled it with a view to restoring and mechanically upgrading it. The body was repainted, but the reassembly didn’t happen, and it was purchased in a partially disassembled state with lots of new parts in boxes. Once in the UK the Seller set about rebuilding the Alfa, starting with the 2 litre engine. The cylinder block was resurfaced and camshaft and flywheel balanced. Upgraded items include Borgo high compression pistons and rings and a Shankle fast road spec camshaft.

The original Spica electronic fuel injection, mandatory to meet US smog laws system, was replaced with twin Delorto 40s. The drive train was also refurbished with a new brake servo and master cylinder, new discs front and rear with Black Diamond hoses and EBC brake pads.

The prop shaft was balanced and new couplings and mounts. Engine and gearbox mounts were also replaced. The original ANSA sports exhaust was refitted, along with its impressive tubular manifold.

Driven a mere 250 miles since the rebuild was completed the GTV is now reluctantly offered for sale as an upcoming house move means it will soon lose its warm storage. The underside of the GTV certainly looks to be entirely corrosion free and the Seller would tells us that “any inspection is welcome” as he is sure there will be no disappointment!

The History and Paperwork

Built in 1976, exported to the USA
Fist registered in LA County, California in January 1978
First Owner parked the GTV in a hangar in 1989
Disassembled and repainted prior to upgrade and rebuild
Purchased is a dismantled state at an Estate sale in 2017
Old California Registrations from 1980/81/82 on file
Imported into the UK in 2018, all duties paid
NOVA and UK registration letters on file
UK Registered as TRJ 730R
V5c In Seller’s name
Parts invoices from rebuild in 2018
Invoices for engine work and
Photos of the engine rebuild

The Interior

Largely original interior in tidy condition
Exceptionally well preserved tan vinyl seats
Minor wear on beading edge of driver’s seat bolster
Height adjustable driver’s seat
Faded but original carpets, complete with sisal floor mats
All interior trim in good condition
Smart door panels with no scuff marks, small piece for trim missing on driver’s armrest
Aftermarket oil pressure gauge installed in radio slot
Tidy gauges, odometer reads 27,818, actual mileage unknown, but the GTV was regularly driven from 1978 to 1989
Original Alfa Romeo 3 spoke steering wheel
Clean and tidy boot space
Boot carpet has minor marks, boot floor solid and free from corrosion
Spare Cromadora wheel with unused new Falken tyre

The Exterior

Glossy Champagne Metallizzato paint
Minor paint bubbles in some areas, none requiring immediate attention
All glass and lenses in great condition
US spec side marker lights and front indicators
Headlights changed to RHD items
Refurbished Cromadora 14 inch alloy wheels in superb condition
Virtually unused set of Falken tyres (inc spare)
Missing small sections of side trim
ANSA dual exhausts with stainless tips
Correct badging and trim in good condition

The Mechanics

Recently rebuilt engine incorporating performance upgrades
Sankle fast road camshaft
Borgo high compression pistons and rings
Twin Delorto 40 carburettors
60+psi oil pressure on tick over
Five speed manual gearbox
New brake discs, EBC pads and master cylinder
New clutch
Tubular exhaust manifolds
ANSA sports exhaust system
A/C pump removed but with car
Clean, solid and corrosion free underside
Smart and tidy engine bay
Service history

Summary

Due to our climate many Alfa Romeos of this vintage have disappeared –literally! Finding one that is solid on the outside as well as underneath is nigh on impossible and good examples and starting to command proper money.

This is unsurprising as few cars provide such an entertaining and addictive driving experience; once an Alfa owner, always and Alfa owner! Despite its age this GTV is incredibly well preserved, mainly to its life in California, but also down to its 30 years spent awaiting resurrection. Now rebuilt and upgraded it is ready to be enjoyed.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

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All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.