History

In 1963, Alfa Romeo released the 105 and 115 series coupes as successors to the Giulietta Sprint that had been around since 1954. As with its predecessor, the 105 and 115 series were available in various trim levels with different outputs and design characteristics. In 1966, Alfa Romeo introduced the more powerful Sprint GT Veloce, or GTV for short, as a replacement for the original Sprint GT model. 

By 1971, the engine in the GTV had grown to 1962 cc, earning it the 2000 GTV model name. North American models were equipped with fuel injection rather than carburetors, but still made 130 hp. 37,459 examples were produced from 1971 to 1977.

By the time the 105 and 115 series took over in 1963, Alfa Romeo had already been racing the previous Giulietta in various European rallies. The automaker’s racing division, Autodelta, continued the tradition in 1965 with the new GTV, renaming it GTA, with the A standing for the Italian word “Alleggerita,” or lightweight. The GTA used aluminum outer body panels and thinner inner panels, magnesium alloy wheels, clear plastic side windows, aluminum upper rear suspension control arms, a magnesium valve cover, sump, timing cover, and bell housing, and lightweight interior trim. Initially, the GTA used a twin-plug 1.6L engine, earning it the 1600 model name, with 1300, 1900, and 2000 GTAm versions coming later. The lightweight construction combined with the peppy and high-revving engine meant that the GTA was a force to be reckoned with on the track, sometimes keeping up with bigger-engined rivals.

Regardless of the variant, the 105/115 series-based race cars were tremendously successful in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The 1600 GTA and 2000 GTAm in particular won their divisions in the 1966, 1967, 1969, and 1970 seasons of the European Touring Car Championship. Even today, GTA and GTAm models are prevalent in vintage races, often making appearances and still keeping up with the competition at events like the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion.

This Car

This particular 1974 Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV, chassis #AR3025497, has unfortunately had the early part of its life lost to time. What we do know is that by 1982, it was owned by one Andrew Vanjak of Astoria, NY, who sold it to a Robert Brady in 2000. Mr. Brady sold it to the current owner sometime later, which is when its documented history begins. Under the current owner’s care, it was transformed into a purpose-built race car, regularly placing first in its class and holding numerous podium finishes for over 12 years. Dominion Auto Body in Fairfax, VA, professionally refinished the body in red, with a white nose, and white #4 “gumball” decals on both doors. The process took just under a month to complete, at a cost of $16,575.51. Mechanically, the car has been meticulously maintained and supported by Apex Vintage out of North Carolina, who ensured that it was always ready to run again after every single run.

In 2022, this Alfa received a total engine rebuild by one of the best – Besic Motorsports in Glen Ellyn, IL, who built a proper (if not legendary) 2.0L race motor at a total cost of $24,531.40. The no-expense-spared process took 45 hours and included a plethora of specialty parts in just the right, balanced combination to produce a proven winner. Rated for 230+ hp, it is mated to a Steve Schwitter close-ratio gearbox with a set of Hoosier TD tires that keeps things sticky. 

The current owner reports that this Alfa runs a 1:27 at Summit Point Raceway and 2:17s at Virginia International Raceway (VIR), with a 140 mph top speed on VIR’s main straight. In their own words, “She’s always one of the quickest Group 8 cars at the dance. Loves one-hour enduros, regularly winning class, and at the top time sheet overall, often lapping larger bore cars. This car has dusted many a Corvette and 911 at the start in Turn 1 at VIR.” Its looks, combined with its racing pedigree, also earned this GTV features in SpeedTour Magazine, Victory Lane Magazine, and other vintage racing publications. HERE is some video footage of the #4 GTV in action. 

As it sits, this 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV is a race-ready machine with only 12 hours of run time on the built engine. With more than a decade of accolades to its name, it is a guaranteed winner on the track for those whose skills can keep up with its power, and one that looks equally as good doing it. This is an opportunity to buy a car that is fresh, ready to race, and with enough talent – win.

The Market