1972 Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV

This example of the 2000 GTV remains somewhat of an enigma with the bulk of its life history lost to the mists of time. The chassis number is never particularly helpful either with these Bertone trimmed examples. It is reported that Bertone received the floor pans and firewall assemblies from Alfa with the serial number already stamped and used them up in no particular order. This meant that consecutive numbers could have been built into complete cars sometimes years apart. It seems that this example was finished in December 1972 as a factory right hand drive car and specified for UK supply. The Alfa was first registered in the UK in January 1973.

With 10 registered keepers to date, this GTV blipped back onto the radar earlier this year. Current owner Tharindu had owned a number of Alfa GT Juniors and GTVs and was very keen to reacquaint himself with the charms of the 2000 GTV. As a result, he bought this car unseen with a view to restoring it to level where he could use and enjoy it, reliving his past GTV experiences. On receiving the car, he realised that there is a little more work to do than he originally anticipated. This combined with many other projects and commitments means he is reluctantly parting with the GTV. He is keen to pass this Giugiaro gem onto someone with the time and vision to return it to its most glorious former glory.
 

The watch word for this Alfa Romeo is “originality” presenting in a true barn find-esque condition and with the appeal to match. The paintwork presents in its original Gallo Piper (116) or Piper Yellow hue. To underscore the originality still further the “Verniciatura Originale” (original paintwork) sticker from paint manufacturers Vercolac is still affixed to the underside of the boot lid.

As a project car the overall condition is best described as “mixed.” Some lower portions of the car’s bodywork – sills and rear valance for example – seem to have fared worst in terms of corrosion. Other notable areas are around the taillamps, the C pillars and a section of the leading edge of the bonnet (all photographed for your review). On balance, however, there is plenty of good news, too. For example, the upper panels of the car are mostly very good and important areas like the floor, suspension turrets and bulkhead all appear to be in good shape. A number of earlier, and frankly poor, minor repairs are noted and photographed. 

Cabin glass, light lenses and chromed bumpers appear very presentable overall. Most of the marque and model badging is present with the exception of a C pillar lozenge and a lower wing Bertone badge.
The GTV sits on its original set of 14-inch, 14-hole steel wheels finished in silver. In each case the period correct chromed centre cap is present. In three out of four cases the centre Alfa Romeo emblem is present and easily identifiable. The tyres are a mixed set with significant side wall splits and perishing in varying degrees. These will need replacing on safety grounds for road use.
 

There is something just undeniably stylish about Alfa Romeo cabins from this period. You wouldn’t call them luxurious, necessarily, but they just work. In this case the glorious front seats wouldn’t look out of place in a Charles and Ray Eames catalogue of the period. It’s the wide but shallow headrests that seem to set them apart. As if the designers knew this, they incorporated a big, rubber clad key – similar to a guitar key – on the seat back. Turning this raises the headrest via a wide and shaped wooden support with two rows of splines to their fronts, against which the mechanisms act. Magical!

Once again the interior of this example is admirably complete. There are, of course, some rips and tears in the black vinyl of those shapely front seats but nothing major appears to be missing making a recommissioning or restoration all the easier. The shaped rear bench is in good order and side panels and door cards are present and correct. The carpets in the back are ripe for replacement but do allow sight of the floors. These exhibit peeling paint and corrosion but it seems confined to the surface with no holes noted.  

The dashboard and instruments are always Alfa strong suits, too and this GTV is no exception. The large Jaeger Italia tachometer (with integrated oil pressure gauge) and speedometer sit directly ahead of the driver in individual hooded cowls. A pair of auxiliary gauges sit between these in smaller apertures, with the bottom apertures housing a slew of warning lights. These all sit behind a deeply dished, three spoke alloy steering wheel with varnished wooden rim and Alfa logoed boss.

The boot is surprisingly spacious and exhibits solid and corrosion free looking inner panels, floor and suspension mounting architecture. A spare wheel and tyre are also in place here.
 

Alfa Romeo’s hugely admired Twin Cam engine is an all-alloy inline-four engine series produced by Alfa Romeo between 1954 and 1994. Known to Italians as the "bialbero" ("twin-shaft"), this unit is also known as the "Nord" (North) engine in reference to its being originally built in Portello, Milan in the North of Italy.

In the nose of the 2000 GTV the unit has an 84mm bore and an 88.5mm stroke to give an overall capacity of 1,962cc. In original specification this breathes through twin carburettors to deliver around 130bhp and 137 Ib-ft of torque from 3,500 rpm.

On lifting the bonnet of our example, you also notice that this is a good-looking unit with the twin alloy cam covers joining together at the front to form a “U” configuration. This front section featured Alfa Romeo embossed script in heavy relief. The presentation under here is surprisingly good overall. The inner panels and bulkhead seem free from visible corrosion and are straight and bearing original paint. The underside of the bonnet looks good too. The only noticeable damage here is a broken plastic fan cowl which is a very straightforward replacement. What can be seen of the underside of the car looks good, too. It is the body panels at this level that exhibit the rust rather than the floor or componentry. 

During our shoot the Alfa Romeo started easily and ticked over evenly (see or video for more), it revved freely, and no unexpected white or blue smoke was visible at the exhaust. Quite clearly the Alfa has been off the road for some time. As such as full check and recommissioning of the key mechanical systems will be required before use on public highways. 
 

There is not too much to consider here. The Alfa’s current V5 registration document is present. This classifies the GTV as an Historic Vehicle. Historic Vehicles in the UK are exempt from MoT and zero rated for vehicle excise duty.

The Alfa Romeo 105 series coupes coincided with a time when the Italian firm was at the height of its powers. Even its non-sporting models were so imbued with Italian verve that it was impossible to disguise. The sports coupes, then, rightfully led to the claim that every true autophile should at some point own an Alfa Romeo.

Those that know their Italian sports coupes of the 1960’s and 1970’s will know not to be put off by the condition of this example. Of course, there is work to do here but the foundations seem strong. Mechanically the car seems well sorted with a strong sounding Nord engine and nothing too urgent seeming in need of attention. In terms of the body and the interior, it is complete and original and hence an excellent starting point for a light project or even a full-on restoration. With these cars in ultra desirable 2000 GTV configuration becoming very scarce indeed, this is a fleeting opportunity to secure a 1970’s motoring legend...

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £15,000 - £18,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Coventry, West Midlands. To arrange an appointment to view this vehicle please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.