1985 Alfa Romeo GTV 2000 Coupe

Description

Alfa Romeo's successor to the much-loved 105-series was launched in 1974, using a modified Alfetta platform allied to stylish hatchback bodywork designed by Giugiaro's Ital Design studios (refined in-house by Alfa Romeo's own styling department). The new Alfetta Gran Turismo Veloce initially used the saloon's 1.8-litre twin-cam four-cylinder engine and shared many of the same features inside the stylish cabin, but had unique instrumentation and seats that slid forward as the backs folded to improve access for rear seat passengers. The original 1.8-litre was replaced with two new engines in 1976, namely the 1.6-litre and the 2-litre - the latter was rebadged as the GTV 2000 at the same time. The larger 1962cc engine had twin-choke carburettors and a 9:1 compression ratio to raise output to a very healthy 130bhp, increasing the top speed to 200 km/h. Road testers sang the praises of the new GTV 2000, particularly the improvements to the gearbox, the precise steering and sharp handling. Improvements kept coming, including fuel injection, electronic ignition and variable valve timing on later models. The GTV was a sales success, remaining in production until 1986 and a well maintained example of this classic Italian thoroughbred offers the enthusiast a great deal of inexpensive driving pleasure today.