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Ok... Here is one of the most obscure cars ever. I simply can't find any information about it other than this simple line: Built by Autodelta for a customer, it was predominantly raced in Germany in period.
Any kind of help would be appreciated, thanks.
Any kind of help would be appreciated, thanks.
Shown in concept form at the Montreal Expo in 1967, the Bertone-styled Alfa Romeo Montreal entered production in 1970. In addition to the fabulous Marcello Gandini penned lines, the Montreal also boasted a competition derived V8. This was based on the engine that had powered the successful Tipo 33 competition cars.
Considering the car's performance pedigree, it was perhaps surprising that no competition version was created. It must, however, be noted that in 1970, production-based GT cars no longer featured strongly in major international events. That changed later in the decade with the introduction of the Group 4 class for which the likes of Ferrari and Porsche had created competition cars.
Officially, Alfa Romeo did not follow suit but in July of 1971, Autodelta did take delivery of one road-going Montreal. The official Alfa Romeo competition department was pre-occupied with running the latest Tipo 33 in the World Championship but nevertheless did find time to eventually rebuild the car to Group 4 specification.
The Montreal was stripped from all unnecessary luxuries and equipped with a complete roll-cage, which both improved safety and the torsion rigidity of the chassis. Big fender flares were fitted to clear the wider tyres, while a front air-dam was also fitted. The engine was first tuned and later enlarged to displace just under three litres.
Completed late in 1972, Group 4 Montreal was launched at the London Racing Car Show in January of 1973. It was subsequently sold to Alfa Romeo Germany to use in the popular DRM series for GT cars. Ready to race in May of 1973, the car was entrusted to specialist racing team of Dieter Gleich, who was also the principle driver.
Gleich raced the car with some success in select events of the DRM series during the 1973 season. Lacking any development work, the unique machine was mothballed at the end of the year. For 1975, it was dusted off and sold by Alfa Romeo Germany and given further DRM outings by Dieter Meyer.
The Autodelta built Group 4 Montreal was up against it from the start, faced with the sheer number of the more thoroughly developed Porsche 911 Carrera RSRs. Whether a more serious program would have turned the Montreal into a winner, we will never know. A Montreal was also campaigned in the United States but also with little success.
Specs:
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