General History
Enjoying increased success in the new line of GT cars that evolved in the early 60s, Alfa Romeo released the first series 105/115 series coupes in 1963. Spanning a prolific 14 years in production, the model run remained largely unchanged due in part to the remarkably clean and sporting Giugiaro penned body design. As iterations unfolded, a range of engines evolved leading up to the SPICA fuel-injected 1750 GTV (Veloce) which was offered for US delivery examples. The potent 1,779cc engine was a fantastic pairing for the 5-speed manual gearbox which, along with revised suspension geometry and an anti-roll bar fitted to the rear suspension, made for great road manners. Larger front disc brakes and calipers were also installed. These notable improvements made for a better handling car overall but also invited spirited highway driving making the GTV a more refined and versatile GT car as it entered the new decade.
General Overview
This example was purchased by the current and consigning owner in 2013. Service records accompanying the car date back to 1992 when the car was located in San Rafael, CA. According to information from the prior owner, the car had been in California for several years prior to the early 1990s. A 1992 service record includes an engine overhaul and clutch replacement, performed at 132,197 miles, along with front and rear brake work that same year. Service invoices continue through the 1990s and 2000s under the same ownership until it was purchased by the current owner in 2013. The car has been in the collection of a known Northern California Alfa Romeo collector and enthusiast for the past eleven years where it has been serviced regularly as part of their enjoyable use for various events and vintage car tours including the Motherlode 400 (six times) and the California Melee.
Under current ownership service invoices outline regular oil and filter changes, fluid flushes, and general services were performed including the front seats professionally reupholstered by Franzini Bros. Inc. (2013) and in 2014 a new brake booster, driveline flex joint and 2 U-joints installed, front end suspension rebuilt, rear trailing arms rebuilt, new fuel lines installed, radiator re-core, new muffler and exhaust hangers installed, and valves adjusted. In 2016 new brake boosters and brake booster hoses were installed, new cone bushings in 2017, and in 2021 new transmission, motor mounts, and new shocks were installed, and all fluids flushed and filled.
General Condition
Today this Alfa Romeo offers handsome cosmetics including older fine flake paint that has been well maintained showing good gloss and consistent cosmetic finish. Minor door edge chips are evident, a few minor dings in the rear bumper, minor rock chips in a few areas, but otherwise, the exterior finish is ideal for enjoyable driving and local shows. The trim is in very good condition overall including the grille, which is very nice and properly fitted along with the headlights and front fascia trim. The lenses, lighting, bumpers, and various trim and script are in very good condition contributing to the overall cohesive visual presentation. The panel gaps are consistent showing good closures and tight fit, even for both doors which show good part lines. The floating hood, often lacking proper fit, sits flush and latches correctly. The glass is in very good condition with brand etching that appears consistent with original factory installation for the side, rear, and vent glass. Outfitted with later series Cromodora wheels, car wears a set of Vredestein 165/HR14 Sprint Classic tires with ample tread remaining.
The interior features nicely finished black bucket seats which have been previously recovered and have a high-quality look and feel to the material and pleating as well as the correct woven center material matching the rear seat area. The overall interior presents very well with most of the interior surfaces appearing in very good condition, reflecting a satisfying blend of refinished items and original features. The door panels, various chrome trim, and side panels have a very high-quality feel to the finishes, and the carpeting appears to be more recently replaced, here too with high quality and correct type materials. The dashboard is quite nice, featuring clean and nicely detailed instruments with excellent color and contrast and smooth wood-toned inserts for the dash and center console. The black dash padding is in very good condition fronted by a sporty black padded Alfa Romeo branded steering wheel. A Nakamichi stereo with CD player is installed in the dash along with door speakers and matching black grilles. The trunk is clean and well-maintained. Under the trunk matting, a full-sized stamped steel spare tire is in place.
Under the hood, the engine bay delivers a correct presentation reflective of original specifications. Though not detailed for show presentation, the engine appears largely correct in componentry and detail with a proper SPICA airbox, stain black cam cover, and various details consistent with Alfa Romeo manufacturing during this period. Overall, the engine compartment displays finishes that are typical of cars that have been driven and enjoyed, regularly serviced but not prepared for show. The undercarriage is representative of an unrestored example. Selected metal suspension components and chassis floor pans display typical surface aging as often found on unrestored cars, none of which offers any indication of structural compromise or damage to the chassis floor. The car is fitted with new shock absorbers, a correct-type exhaust system, and a handful of various newer soft lines. Correct aluminum casting pans and transmission casings, and other correct parts and components for this series car finish off the chassis.
The car starts, stops, runs, and drives very capably as evidenced in the driving video accompanying the photos in the gallery. The gearbox operates properly, the clutch takes up nicely, and the brakes bring the car down smoothly and evenly on a firm pedal. Acceleration is progressive from the SPICA outfitted engine offering a balanced feel especially notable in the improved suspension offered in these later series cars.