Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV Coupe

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To replace the perfectly formed, but slightly 'long in the tooth' Giulietta Sprint, Alfa Romeo once again returned to Bertone, who in a stroke of genius employed the services of part time stylist Giorgetto Giugiaro to come up with some ideas for the new Giulia Sprint GT.

His first significant commission, the result was the perfect combination of form and function, catapulting his name into the limelight. Using a shortened Giulia saloon floorpan, the snub fronted coupe looked perfect, the first models featuring a ‘step’ or ‘scalina’ at the front edge of the bonnet. From 1965, a ‘Veloce’ model was added, incorporating some styling changes to the grille and a modest 3bhp increase in power. Engines gradually grew in size to 2-litres and 132bhp, Alfa Romeo introducing a range of ‘Junior’ models with 1.3-litre power units to counteract the increasing prices.

The lovely twin-cam engine, 5-speed gearbox and all round disc-brakes made for an exciting drive, a racing lightweight GTA version with aluminium panels, twin-plug head and magnesium engine components proving very successful on the track.

This 1974 Alfa 2000 GTV Coupe was specially built, owned and raced by Peter Smart Classic Alfas of Dorset for HSCC 70s Road Sports events about 20 years ago and is also eligible for various other events such as the Swinging Sixties and Alfa Series. Ziebart treated when new, it was always a sound car and much time and money has been invested to bring it to the condition you see today, with records of numerous race wins in the mid-1990s in the history file.

The engine was fully rebuilt and balanced with high compression pistons, race cams, K&N air filters, oil cooler, electronic ignition and rolling road set up which resulted in some 160bhp. A rebuilt Alfaholics GT gearbox has been fitted, along with a full Alfaholics stainless steel exhaust system and a recent Hi-Torque starter motor.

The suspension is to Harvey Bailey race specification including GTA adjustable top arms, 29mm front anti-roll bar, and Spax adjustable dampers. The brakes have also been uprated and the car rides on GTA-style lightweight alloy wheels shod with good Yokohama tyres. Quick release boot and bonnet catches are also fitted.

The interior has a Sparco race seat and TRS 4-point harness for the driver with a standard retrimmed passenger seat. A Safety Devices 6-point roll cage and plumbed in fire extinguisher are also fitted. A competitive race machine, it has completed three races in the last two years in the hands of the vendor with a Class Win at Pembrey. It is also fully road legal and has only covered some 150 miles since the last MOT expired in March 2014.

With the historic racing scene enjoying huge popularity of late with countless events taking place up and down the country all year round, this well-sorted Alfa is sure to give the lucky new owner a huge amount of pleasure. With proper preparation and a talented helmsman at the wheel, it should prove quite capable of bringing home some silverware. Being offered here at a very tempting guide price, it looks about as much fun as anyone could reasonably expect with their clothes on.