1980 Alfa Romeo GTV 2.0 Coupe

Description

The successor to the much-loved 105-series coupes, Alfa's new GT debuted in 1974 and was based on the Alfetta platform, albeit with a shorter wheelbase and stylish new coupe bodywork. The distinctively modern hatchback styling had been developed by the talented Giorgetto Giugiaro's Ital Design studio, before being refined in-house by Alfa Romeo's own styling department. The new GT also had unique instrumentation split ahead of the driver and on top of the centre console, and seats that slid forward as the backs folded to improve access for rear seat passengers. The original 1.8-litre model was replaced with two new engines in 1976, namely the 1.6-litre and the 2-litre, and was rebadged as the GTV 2000 at the same time. The larger 1962cc engine used twin-choke carburettors and a 9:1 compression ratio to raise output to a very healthy 130 bhp, the top speed increasing to just on 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. The model was a sales success, remaining in production until 1986. A well-maintained example offers the enthusiast a great deal of inexpensive driving and ownership pleasure today.