1973 Alfa Romeo 2000 Berlina

Alfa Romeo 1750 Berlina, 1968 to 1972 and 2000 Berlina, 1971 to 1976

The Alfa Romeo 1750 Berlina of 1968 was an exceptionally advanced saloon for its era. Based on the well-established mechanicals of the Giulia 105 series, it featured dual circuit brakes, top-hinged pedals, a hydraulic clutch and Alfa's new 1779cc iteration of its wonderful four-cylinder 'Nord' engine, considered by many to be the best variant of this all-aluminium motor.

A four-door, five-seat saloon, the 1750 (its name derived from the legendary 1930s Alfa Romeo racer) was very spacious: the cabin offered much more space than the Giulia saloon, whilst being only a little larger externally. A 'stiff bodyshell' protected the occupants, while other parts were designed to deform in the case of impact, and much was made of these new safety features. The standard model was given the designation Tipo 105.48, those in right-hand drive 105.49 and Spica fuel-injected models for the US market 105.71. Engines were of the type 00548.

In 1971, the new Alfa Romeo 2000 Berlina was released. A development of the 1750, it was very similar in appearance, with larger rear lights, new steel wheels with 'top hat' stainless central trim, a larger front grille and Alfa's new 1962cc variant of the twin-cam engine fitted with either twin Solex 40 DDH or Dellorto DHLA 40 carburettors. Head restraints were fitted inside, and a shorter steering column added to allow a deeper-dished steering wheel to be fitted. The car was given the Tipo 105.12 (115.36 from 1975), with right-hand drive cars 105.15 and US-specification cars 115.00. A smaller number of automatic transmission cars were built with the designation 105.54 (105.97 for those destined for South Africa).Engine numbers started 00512, then 00515 from 1975,

Today, the 1750 Berlina is more desirable to collectors than the later 2000, but both lag behind other period Alfa Romeo 105 series cars such as the Giulia Super, Giulia Sprint or Spider. Despite this, they offer a great deal: almost identical mechanical to their more expensive brethren, the practicality of a spacious saloon, and the exclusivity of a car that is now very rare.