The Alfa Romeo Montreal is a car that never really had a low-key debut. It was first unveiled as a concept car at Expo ’67 in Montreal, Canada, and got its name simply because the public started calling it that. Alfa Romeo subsequently stuck with that name. So sometimes, marketing is no more complicated than listening carefully to people who are enthusiastically admiring a car. The design came from Marcello Gandini at Bertone, and it shows. The Montreal features details you’ll find on few other cars: the partially covered headlights, the NACA duct on the hood, the striking air vents behind the doors, and the muscular rear end. It’s not a subdued coupe. It’s a design that perfectly illustrates just how free and ambitious Italian automotive design could be in the early 1970s.Under the hood lies a 2.6-liter V8 with dry-sump lubrication and SPICA fuel injection. A marvel of engineering, especially for a production car from this era. The engine was inspired by Alfa Romeo’s motorsports experience and delivers about 200 pk. Paired with a five-speed manual transmission from ZF and a limited-slip differential, the Montreal delivered performance that was impressive for its time. Its top speed was around 220 kilometers per hour. Yet a Montreal isn’t just about the numbers. Its character lies primarily in the combination of that V8, the long nose, the low seating position, and the way the car feels like a true Italian GT. Not aloof, but mechanical, lively, and instantly recognizable. Even when stationary, a Montreal has a certain dramatic quality. Start the engine, and that feeling only grows stronger. This particular example dates from 1973 and is finished in Verde Montreal with a light brown interior. It’s a particularly fitting combination. The green paint beautifully accentuates the body’s contours and also directly references the model name. The light-colored interior adds warmth and contrast, and perfectly complements the car’s distinctive yet elegant character. This Montreal is in exceptionally good condition. The exterior looks stunning, with a deep sheen, a sleek appearance, and precise details. The chrome, the glass panels, the typical slats, and the distinctive front end come together to form a particularly compelling whole. The interior is also absolutely fantastic. The light-colored upholstery, the dashboard, the instruments, and the overall finish give the car exactly the right atmosphere. Well-maintained, full of character, and clearly preserved with care. This Alfa Romeo was part of Fred van Lingen’s family collection for many years. For Alfa enthusiasts, that name needs little introduction. Fred van Lingen was known as “Mister Alfa” and possessed technical expertise at a level where he could even find solutions when the factory itself could no longer do so. The fact that this Montreal comes from such a background speaks volumes about the care with which the car was treated. A special detail: Fred used his last NOS pistons to rebuild the engine of his own Montreal. That’s perfectly understandable. You don’t save certain parts for just any car. You use them for the car that deserves them. In this case, that’s this one. The car is in mint condition and has had only three previous owners. The combination of its condition, provenance, color scheme, and technical history makes this a highly attractive Montreal. Moreover, the model itself is already special enough. Approximately 3,900 units were built. A 1973 Alfa Romeo Montreal, finished in Verde Montreal with a light brown interior. From the long-standing Fred van Lingen family collection, with a rebuilt engine and only three previous owners. A particularly beautiful Montreal in a striking color scheme, with the right history, character, and mechanical condition. Are you interested? Contact Gallery Aaldering today and discover this exceptional Alfa Romeo for yourself. We export our vehicles worldwide—ask about the possibilities.
