Of all the 105 series Alfa Romeos that come out of the 1960s and 1970s, it is the Bertone designed 1750 GTV coupe, first seen in 1967 that is closest to drivers’ hearts. When you look at the car it is easy to understand why. Although later 2 liter versions may have been quicker, the 1750 was by far the sweetest and smoothest of Alfa’s classic, double overhead cam, in line four cylinder engines. The strength that the engine was able to offer was matched with an impressive and very slick five speed gearbox that was a total delight to use. It was a combination that helped win the car a legion of supporters and give the 1750 GTV coupe the type of character any car deserving of the much abused term ‘classic’ needs to have. Great brakes, smooth steering and a balanced chassis made the cars a superb tool on a twisty road, where it often proved more fun than many bigger, faster machines. It was just as happy cruising at over 100 mph (160 km/h) on the highway, a fact not lost on its American enthusiasts where its relative refinement made it seem like both a relaxing businessman’s express and a fun filled open road cruiser.
Bertone’s shape for the coupe dated from 1963 and the first ‘step bonnet’ 1600 Giulia coupes. It remained in production with the regular changes to trim and badging for 10 years, until 1977. it crossed over briefly with much less charismatic Alfetta coupes that were designed to replace it, but they never matched the 1750 GTV coupes’ appeal.
