Penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Bertone, the 105s clean and distinctive design is one of the most attractive small coupes of the 1960s and 70s. The 1750 GTV was the first evolution of the original design and benefited from Alfa Romeos larger 1779cc engine in addition to many other updates and modifications including to the chassis, suspension and brakes. It made for a much better driving car particularly at higher touring speeds and ensured the cars performance was better than many sports cars of the era. Arguably the 1750 motor is regarded by enthusiasts as the one to have given its combination of power, torque and free revving nature.
Externally the 1750 GTV also departed from the earlier cars with a new nose styling incorporating a revised grill with four headlamps.
Our example is an early Series 1 model delivered in April 1968 to Pymble NSW, as confirmed by the Certificate of Origin which accompanies the car. According to the FUSI records its chassis number of 1450004 suggests its the 4th one produced underlining how early this car is.
It has been in the ownership of known Alfisti who have kept it in wonderful order. The current owner acquired the car in 2006 and commenced a restoration in 2009. The car was then completed and registered in 2018 and has covered under 2,000 miles since that time.
During the restoration the car underwent a back to metal repaint, extensive mechanical and electrical work. It still presents extremely well to this day. The body is in very good all-round condition with minimal panel work being required once the paint was removed. There are some stone chips and marks on the body due to age, but none are significant. The car had a colour change by its previous owner to red from its original Biancospino but it suits the car well. The interior is in the original Nero.
All the stainless steel brightwork is in wonderful order and sets the car off beautifully. The wheels although from a later model 2000 GTV are refurbished and are in perfect condition.
The interior is just lovely with everything as it should be. An unmarked steering wheel greets you and the dash and dials are something that just looks perfect to the eye. The dash has been restored at some point and the current dash pad is well made and is a practical addition. The desirable flying buttress seats have been reupholstered and are just a lovely feature.
The instrument binnacle looks spot on with only a little frosting to the rev counter cover, but this is being picky. The headlining is fresh and perfect to the eye. The timber veneer to the centre console is not original but a good match and is well fitted. The carpets are new and unmarked.
Turn the key and the engine fires up to a familiar Alfa growl. Out on the open road this car is just superb. The gearbox is excellent with no issues with the synchros. It is accurate, smooth, and quick to work through the gears and using it is quite addictive. The engine is responsive and pulls extremely well benefiting from the carbs being rebuilt and tuned.
The engine bay is clean and largely original. The boot is excellent and lined with carpet.
These 105s are great drivers cars, and we can see why they are so sought after. Freshly restored cars are still fetching well north of $100,000 and this car represents good buying. The car will be serviced and ready to be enjoyed by its new owner.