Background
The Alfa Romeo GTV6, is based on the Alfetta sedan model, which was launched as a front-engine fastback coupé in 1974. The car saw different modifications throughout production and was built until 1987, a sedan being available in parallel. The 2-door, 4-seater sports coupé was penned by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign. The Alfetta, and later GT and GTV versions, had all the ingredients of a true Italian sports car - penned by a master in his class, voiced by beautifully designed engines, and driven by the dandified. But there was one thing which separated them from their compatriots: they could carry not two, but four occupants in leather-trimmed comfort. In addition, there was ample space for luggage.
The Alfetta, which means ‘little Alfa’ in Italian, was noted for the rear position of its transaxle (clutch and transmission) and its De Dion tube rear suspension - an arrangement designed to optimize handling by balancing front/rear weight distribution, as well as maintaining a low polar moment of inertia and low center of gravity. The transaxle gearbox was not always easy to use; only those who knew the car were aware that second gear sometimes had to be engaged before first – the GTV was an automobile that needed to be conquered, in the character of a true Italian sports car. The interior featured a then unusual central tachometer placement directly in front of the driver.
The rear De Dion transaxle found on the Alfetta provided these cars with excellent weight distribution. The GT was initially available with a 1.8 litre DOHC version of Alfa Romeo’s four-cylinder engine. When the 105 Series was phased out in 1976, the Alfetta GT became a range, and the initial 1.8 litre engine phased out in favour of the 1.6 litre and a 2.0 litre version. These cars can be distinguished from early 1.8 litre cars by some notable exterior updates such as a new front grille.
In 1980, the car was again restyled, but this time a bit more radically. New taillights were fitted, grey plastic bumpers were mounted and the stainless-steel bars in the triangular grille at the front were replaced by matte plastic parts. It was also at this time that the 1.6 litre engine was discontinued, and the car became simply known as the GTV 2.0. Later in the same year, the six-cylinder engine was introduced. Featuring single overhead cams, the V6 had a displacement of 2.5 litres. For the air intake to fit, a bulge was added to the bonnet, which became a distinguishable feature for these cars. The engine quickly got the reputation of being the best sounding V6 available on the market. The model later went through further revisions, mostly aesthetical, including an updated interior in 1984.
A sporty coupé for daily use, the GTV also became a successful car in track and rally competition. This culminated in the production of a limited run of 3-litre cars, a co-operative effort by Alfa Romeo South Africa and Autodelta.
