The 116 series Alfetta GTV (incl. GT & GTV6) is a two door coupe built by Alfa Romeo and penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro from 1974 all the way through to 1987 with several versions, options and engine configurations, available globally. These are not to be confused with the Alfetta Sedan which began production a couple of years earlier in 1972 (an underrated car in my opinion!).  The Alfa GTV name had also been used previously in the Bertone styled 105 series coupe and again in more recent times (1995 onwards) on the Pininfirina designed coupe. The name ‘Alfetta’ was used to pay homage to Alfa Romeo’s famous Grand Prix cars from the pre-war era.

 

In short, Australian shores saw the following;

 

·         Alfetta GT was available from 1975 to 1977 with a carburetted 1.8 litre 4 cylinder

·         Alfetta GTV 2000 from 1977 to 1981 as above but with the 2.0 litre

·         Alfetta GTV 2.0 from 1981 to 1986 with an updated body style (easily identified by the plastic bumpers) but carried the same 2.0 litre mechanicals

·         GTV6 was available from 1982 thru to 1986 which carried a 2.5 litre fuel injected V6.

 

Of course there were a number of small production specials such as the GTAM, Autodelta racing versions and the GTV6 Grand Prix version etc, but let’s not open that can of worms!

 

One of the Alfettas’ main advantages was (is!) its handling; the weight distribution is outstanding thanks mostly to the transaxle design. Quite simply put, this means the gearbox is at the back while the engine remains up front! Double wishbone and torsion bar front end coupled with the de Dion rear suspension makes for a very neutral handling car that can be modified easily for racing purposes.