1971 Alfa Romeo GTV 1750: A Restoration Odyssey
A Journey Through Time
So picture this: A 1971 Alfa Romeo GTV 1750, a car as nostalgic as vinyl records and cassette tapes, found itself a new owner in 2021. This owner didn’t just plop it in the garage and call it a day. Oh no. It was sent off to The Paddock Classic Car Restorations in the charmingly named New Britain, Connecticut, for a transformation that reads like a love letter to automotive passion. Fast forward to 2023, and you’re looking at a gleaming olive green metallic beauty that’s had more work done on it than a Beverly Hills matriarch during awards season.
The Heart and Soul of Restoration
This GTV received a fresh coat of olive green metallic paint, radiating a shine capable of blinding any passerby on a sunny day. But it’s not just about appearances. Under this shiny new exterior lies a souped-up 2.1L twin-cam inline-four engine, lovingly bored and stroked. The five-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential, suspension, and disc brakes all got the spa treatment too. And let’s not forget the iconic yellow-lens inner headlights and Euro-market taillights that scream sophistication.
Riding on a Dream
Alfaholics knows a thing or two about wheels, which is why this GTV now flaunts their 15″ GTA-style masterpieces. These are coupled, naturally, with a Fast Road suspension kit featuring the rock-solid dependability of Koni shocks. Inside, black vinyl-trimmed flying buttress bucket seats make a statement all on their own. Add to that a wood-rimmed Hellebore steering wheel and a Blaupunkt push-button radio, because what’s more retro-cool than tuning to your favorite channel on a classic radio?
Under the Hood and Beyond
The engine’s a powerhouse, featuring dual Weber sidedraft carburetors and a stainless-steel exhaust system that promises to purr—or roar—as per your behest. The transmission’s outfitted with a close-ratio gear set, perfect for when you’re feeling the need for speed. It’s got a billet aluminum steering box, a lightweight flywheel, and a clutch assembly that rivals an Olympic gymnast in agility.
Details That Matter
Now, don’t start thinking it’s just what’s inside that counts. Outside, this vehicle has been treated like royalty. Media blasted, acid washed, and rendered into its current olive green metallic after repairing a floorpan or two. The rear corner markers got a nice shave, the bumpers bid adieu, and the finishing touches like a black-finished mesh grille and Euro-taillights came into play.
The Comfort Essentials
Inside, it’s more of the same opulence. Flying buttress bucket seats from the Netherlands are coupled with light and sound deadening. A replacement dash, polyurethane coated for that eternal shine, accompanies these features. Woodgrain accents sprinkle some understated elegance, while the Blaupunkt radio, now enhanced with Bluetooth, adds a modern twist.
Dashboard Sophistication
The dash offers more than just good looks. Veglia Borletti instrumentation means you’ve got a tachometer that includes an oil pressure gauge. The speedometer clocks a cheeky 140-mph, and gauges for coolant temperature and fuel levels sit charmingly at the center. With only 1,000 or so miles added post-restoration, this gem’s odometer reads a mere 73k miles.
Power and Precision
Let’s talk power. The remodeled twin-cam, sourced straight from a Euro-market Alfa Romeo 75, knows how to deliver. It’s been built with nothing but the best parts:
- Long-stroke (94.0mm) crankshaft
- CP-Carillo connecting rods
- Forged pistons
- High-compression cylinder liners
- Rifle-drilled billet camshafts
- 46.0mm intake and 38.5mm exhaust valves
These work in harmony with dual Weber sidedraft carburetors, polished to perfection. It’s engineered for smooth rides down the winding road of your choosing, courtesy of components like an aluminum radiator, stainless-steel exhaust system, and dual Bosch ignition coils.
Drive with Finesse
Power flows through a five-speed manual transmission, fitted to perfection with a close-ratio gear set from Alfaholics. A lightweight flywheel and a feisty clutch assembly mean this GTV is not here for a long time; it’s here for a good time. With the limited-slip differential refashioned, driving this beast is smooth like butter.
A Labor of Love
Look through the gallery, and you’ll see the evolution. Each photo captures a moment in its rebirth, from rusty relic to its current form. Sold under its Connecticut registration, it’s classified as an “Antique.” But make no mistake, folks—this is one car that’s anything but a relic of the past.