Felt at the beginning of the seventies Alfa Romeo is forced to implement a series of innovations within its beautiful model range. The 1750 Berlina was succeeded by the Alfetta and that event heralded the arrival of a new coupé version, which would gradually replace the Bertone models: the Alfa Romeo Alfatta GT & Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV series.
As was clear in advance, the new coupé was therefore assigned a heavy task. In this case too, Giugiaro was commissioned to design a successor to the long-running series of Sprint coupés and GTVs, which bore Bertone's signature. Giugiaro's new creation became a child of its time. It shared its technical base with the Alfetta. The engine was located at the front. Differential, gearbox and clutch were placed at the rear. The trans axle technology ensured optimum weight distribution and – in combination with the chassis – excellent road holding.
Sharp lines
Furthermore, the Alfa Romeo Alfatta GT and Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV with sharply drawn lines. The interior also had an angular character. This Bertone successor made its debut in 1974 as the Alfetta GT, with a 1779 cc engine. Two years later the Alfetta GT 1.6 followed, which together with the new Alfetta GTV 2000 introduced the swan song of the GT with 1779 cc power source. The arrival of the Alfetta GTV 2000 also ended production of the last of the legendary Bertone Mohicans: the Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTV.
Modifications in 1980
So picked Alfa Romeo the fruits of the innovation in its sedan and coupe middle class. The Alfetta models turned out to be especially popular at home, and they also turned out to be regular and welcome guests abroad. Launched in the fall of 1980 Alfa Romeo a modified version of this model generation. Henceforth the Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT/GTV continues as GTV. Important changes were the different rear lights, a changed interior, less chrome and various plastic elements, which were executed in black in accordance with the zeitgeist. The 1.6 engine variant disappeared from the range, the 2.0 remained.
The arrival of the six-cylinder
Alfa Romeo made another important development in the GTV saga. The modified coupe was also available with the new 2492 cc Busso V6 from the Alfa 6. The coupe was named GTV6 after this modification. The engine delivered a maximum power of 160 hp and a maximum torque of 220 Nm. To fit the large power source – with Bosch injection – a new bonnet with an elevation had to be designed. Decided in 1983 Alfa Romeo to implement some cosmetic and technical modifications - and a much improved corrosion prevention. Among other things, the ratios of the gearbox were revised. Furthermore, the interior and the dashboard were updated.
137.579 times produced enthusiastic car
The production of the Alfa Romeo GTV and GTV6 continued until 1987. It was produced 137.579 times, but today this special model by Giorgetto Giugiaro is no longer an everyday sight. It makes the car desirable. The model was, among other things, image-forming for the striking and beautiful range of Alfa Romeo of those years. That is also why the Alfa Romeo GT/GTV series based on the Alfetta to a car with real enthusiast status. Especially the Alfa Romeo purists will agree.
Special versions
During the construction period of the Alfa Romeo GT and GTV models with Alfetta base regularly appeared in special versions. We mention a few of these series. Autodelta already produced some versions for rally sport in 1974. In 1977 – at the insistence of the German Alfa dealer Reiff – a special series built with a 2.6 V8 engine from the Montreal. It led to about twenty examples of this exotic Reiff coupe, which was also exhibited at the IAA in Frankfurt in 1977. Later, 400 GTV 2.0 Turbodeltas saw the light of day. These street versions were built for homologation purposes for the Group 4 rally car. And the Dutch Savali built some 3.0 liter variants of the GTV6. A special mention deserves the GTV series built in South Africa, which was equipped with the 3.0 V6 power source developed by Autodelta. This strongest GTV was built in an edition of 200 units.
Copyright all images: Alfa Romeo
I also had a GTV 2000 for years, had a lot of fun with it, apart from the fact that it ran on gas hahha
Had a GTV, Pina Verde. Great car. But that rust. From 83 rust prevention. But let me just like the model from 78 with 130 hp
A nice car, for sure. Still, I liked the Alfasud Sprint more successful, more subtle.
Bought a new Alfetta GT in 1975, it was my daily car, after 2 years the car was completely rusted in terms of sheet metal. Despite this, I still drive Alfa Romeo.
A few years (even in the 80s as a student) were allowed to enjoy a gray GTV with that rev counter in front of your nose. What a party. Superb car.
Even spent another weekend on the street when I lay under it and went to change gearbox. What times.
This Alfetta was the last “real” Alfa GT. After this, the factories were taken over by Fiat and it took me at least a few years before a completely new front-wheel drive Alfa Fiat coupe was produced and yes, most Alfists were not waiting for that and then bought a BMW or Mercedes!
Well, to repeat anyway. What beautiful cars and what a jerk are the “sports cars” of today.
and those sports cars of today are art compared to the bulky SUVs.
Great car!