CLASSIC DRIVE: Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV

The 105 series is undeniably one of the most recognisable Alfa Romeo shapes from the 20th century. We get behind the wheel of very well-kept example to experience this car around Kalk Bay.

Words and images: Wilhelm Lutjeharms 

Alfa Romeo’s history boasts a wide range of successes, both on track as well as on the road. At the same time, as with a number of manufacturers, there have also been some duds. Even so, design and performance have been two of the hallmarks of the brand and one of their best-known compact sports coupés from the Sixties and early Seventies is the much loved 105 Series.

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These compact cars (compared with modern coupés) were fitted with a range of engines. It started with a modest 1.3-litre, and ended with the 2.0-litre unit fitted to this car. The rest of the range at the time was made up of the 1.6-litre and the 1750, featuring a 1.8-litre engine. For some collectors, these later units with the largest engine are arguably the best models to collect (and drive).

History

This particular example, currently on sale at MotoVillage in Tokai, Cape Town, has a near-perfect history. It shows an indicated 48 000 km on the odo, which is verifiable via the previous owners, of which there are only two. It is said to have recently been serviced and there are also further records of the car’s history that a potential buyer can peruse. It has even recently been fitted with new tyres.

Inside the cabin

It is when you open the door and look at the cabin and the quality of the black vinyl seats that you realise this car is in a great condition. There are no cracks on the dashboard and the ribbed seats look like new and as if they have hardly been used. They are also comfortable and if you have not driven one of these cars before (like me), you will be surprised by how low they are mounted to the floor and that your driving position is almost pure sports car. At 1.87-metres tall, I have to wiggle my left leg underneath the steering wheel and press the clutch pedal in to make ingress possible. 

Close to my left knee is the long gearlever which is also closely positioned to the large wood-and-metal steering wheel. Needless to say, everything is close at hand and falls in place once you are seated.

• Get in touch with the seller of this vehicle here.

The rest of the cabin is simplistic. There is the neatly chromed “2000” emblem to the left, positioned just below the dashboard on the wood veneer, while the wood theme is also used around the gearlever and the storage area lower down. This all ties in perfectly with the three-spoke steering wheel with the Alfa Romeo emblem in its centre. 

There is even a radio and the four dials behind the ‘wheel give you all the information you need to pilot this Italian coupé. Most notable is the rev counter and the speedometer split by the fuel gauge and coolant temperature gauges in the centre.

Twist the key

Before I start the engine, I realise that the brake pedal and throttle pedals are perfectly positioned for heel-and-toe downshifts, even if you are not a master at performing this action. 

I head through the traffic and quickly realise you can cruise along at 2 to 2 500 rpm, but when you put your foot down and keep it down, the engine quickly revs past 3 500 to 5 000 rpm. The red-line is at a relatively low 5 700 rpm, but that didn’t have any negative influence on the driving experience. On the contrary, the engine is not only happy to rev, but it is also torque-rich. The result is that as you go through the rev range, even during the middle part of the range, the engine has plenty to offer. 

Another highlight is how sensitive the engine is to throttle inputs and how willingly it responds. It definitely feels well-tuned at the moment!

As I string a few corners together, the compact size of the GTV immediately presents itself. Not only is it compact, but it feels compact, taking a relatively small space up on the road. The ceiling is close to your head, but my hair just misses touching the lining, which is quite surprising. Switching gears comes naturally, as you easily find each gear while the shift action is mechanical, but smooth in nature. 

Push the GTV a little harder through a few corners, and the expected body roll doesn’t come as a surprise. It is what you would expect from a car of its size and age. It is never disconcerting though. It leans a little, but then it settles while offering a good level of grip, but also a level of comfort at the same time. It is evident that this car doesn’t mind being driven hard and I was thoroughly smiling after my time behind the wheel. The fact that it weighs just over a tonne clearly contributes to the driving experience. 

Those double lights up front, the clean Bertone lines and short overhangs, all contribute to a truly classic-looking Alfa Romeo. Add to the recipe the strong engine, willing handling and it is clear why these cars are much loved by enthusiasts. The fact that this example has been maintained by its previous owners is the final cherry on this lovely Italian cake. 

Specifications

1974 Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV (105 Series)

Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, petrol

Power: 98 kW at 5 500 rpm

Torque: 182 Nm at  3 000 rpm 

Transmission: 5-speed manual, RWD 

Weight: 1 028 kg

0-97 km/h: 8.9 seconds

Top speed: 195 km/h

Production run: 1971 - 1976