Fantasy Junction

Description

1974 Alfa Romeo GTAm Tribute (auction ends Monday July 28th, 2025)
s/n AR3351174, Engine no. AR1608*X26946*
Red with black interior

Introduced in February of 1965, the Alfa Romeo GTA rightfully earned high praise in period and has since become a legendary part of motorsports history. Although it appears visually similar to the standard Giulia GT, the GTA (Gran Tourismo Alleggerita or ‘lightened’) was significantly re-engineered, transforming the pleasant and affordable GT into a spectacular giant-beating racecar.

Even more potent still was the GTAm, which pushed the sporting regulations of the late 1960s and early 1970s yet further with riveted fiberglass wheel arches, wider wheels, and aggressively-cammed engines producing 240 horsepower.

There are differing schools of thought about the "Am" moniker, neither having ever been officially confirmed by Alfa Romeo:
GT Alesaggio Maggiorato (Italian: increased bore)
GT Alleggerita Modificata (Italian: lightened modified)

As race cars, Alfa Romeo specific tuner Autodelta built 1750 GTAms for both the works team and customer teams, but a few were constructed by private workshops, bringing the total of GTAms extant in period to approximately 40. The cars had a full steel body modified with aluminum and plastic parts. Today, although many have had difficult histories, they are generally regarded as the most valuable and visually striking of the Alfa Romeo 105 chassis series.

According to The Certificate of Origin and Alfa Romeo Museo Storico, this particular example was produced in early 1974 for the Italian market as a silver over brown interior 1300 GT Junior. While little can be known about its early history, it was purchased from Greece in project form in 2018 by its current owner, and imported in August of that same year, already fitted with the currently installed 1750cc engine.

In an effort to complete the car to a pleasing level of cosmetic presentation and mechanical road readiness, the current owner engaged Alfa Romeo experts Dave Vegher of Veloce West and Frank Zucchi Restorations to pick up where the previous owner had left off. Between 2018 and 2020 the following work was performed at considerable expense:

By Dave Vegher:
Cylinder head rebuild to include
-New valves with larger intakes, and new valve seals
-Cut valve seats
-Port and resurface head
-Pressure check

By Frank Zucchi:
-Install new adjustable A-arms
-Source from Alfaholics and install GTAm-look alloy wheels
-Mount Toyo Proxy 225 50 R15 RA1 tires
-Source and install new Alfaholics GTAR steering wheel and boss assembly
-Rebuild rear axle assembly with new bearings and seals
-Source and install new Weber carburetors, modify airbox, add support, and tune carbs.
-Replace radiator
-Install new emergency brake cable
-Rebuild brake calipers
-Replace brake rotors
-Make new dash wiring harness
-Install USB port
-Install new gauges
-Install new headlights
-Install new brake servo
-Install new exhaust
-Replace fuel pump
-Make rear seat brackets
-Install cylinder head with new head gasket
-Ceramic re-seal engine block
-Replace wheel studs
-Rewire horn button
-Rewire alternator
-Perform corrosion repair to rear floor
-Rebuild drive shaft
-Adjust steering stops for new wider wheels
-Source and install new interior door and window crank handles
-Repaint rear fender flares
-Polish car

The above work resulted in a strong running example with a very good vintage racecar level cosmetic presentation.

The car has a competition-inspired stance with an aggressive appearance. The paint is good, but is not without superficial flaws on many panels, so as not to limit enjoyment to enjoyment to concours gatherings. Panel fit does show some variance along shut lines. The bumpers have long since been discarded, and the wider wheels, boldly riveted fenders, and outside fuel filler cap give the impression this GTAm is on its way to compete in the Targa Florio.

The interior has been comprehensively re-trimmed in a diamond-stitched pattern, and the upholstery is generally very nice. Aftermarket bucket seats have been installed in place of the less sporting stock units, and 4-point belts in red replace the originals. A trio of gauges have been added to the lower center console, and this is where the functioning oil pressure gauge can be observed. An aluminum shift knob replaces the black plastic piece which would have been fitted when new.

The engine bay is, displaying evidence of the comprehensive work performed, and is generally stock in appearance. The valve cover is attractively polished and an already installed catch bottle means this GTAm tribute is one step closer to tech inspection for the next owner's first track day.

The underside displays some signs of age and use. There are some minor areas of metal perforation, mainly behind the splash areas of the front wheels, but generally speaking the underside is solid and structurally sound.

While the visual presentation is competition inspired, instruction was given to master Alfa Romeo engine builder Dave Vegher to keep this GTAm street-friendly. As such, it is surprisingly docile in city traffic with a mellow power band and an easy to engage clutch. The transmission ratios remain stock, such that highway driving does not wind-out the 1750cc engine. The car is not without rattles and squeaks over bumps, just as would be the case with one of the 40 highly valuable original GTAms.

The car is offered with records for work performed and Certificate of Origin in digital format. With significant work performed by some of the best names on the West Coast, this stunning example is ready for its next lucky custodian who can enjoy it as is on rallies or track days, or take to the next level of cosmetic preparation.

Please note that it is our understanding that this Alfa Romeo cannot be titled in California, and therefore is offered to licensed California dealers or out of State residents.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608