When classics are discovered...
08/08/2015
There are classic cars that experts have been predicting a significant increase in value for years. But, like wallflowers, the prices do not seem to move, do not rise like the valuations of other, often similar cars. One of these cases is the Alfa Romeo Montreal, which actually has everything it takes to be a super classic. The body was designed by Bertone/Gandini and is both unmistakable and elegant. The engine has its origins in the successful Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 racing car. With fewer than 4000 units produced, the Montreal is significantly rarer than a Porsche 911 S, even with a high survival rate. The cars were also comparatively well built and technologically innovative with spica injection. Nevertheless, prices hovered around the low Euro/CHF 30,000 to 40,000 mark for years - until now.
At the moment, however, there seems to have been an almost grandiose surge. At least that's what you have to understand when you look at the estimated prices that RM Sotheby's and Bonhams are calling for when a Montreal goes under the hammer at their auctions around Pebble Beach in around 10 days' time.
RM is quoting USD 140,000 to 180,000 for a white '73 model (pictured above), while Bonhams is assuming a value of USD 100,000 to 140,000 for a gold-colored example from 1972.
Whether these prices can be achieved remains to be seen, but the hammer for an unrestored white example from 1973 fell this summer at the auction of the Oldtimer Galerie Toffen at the Dolder at exactly CHF 80,000, which ultimately cost the highest bidder around USD 100,000 after surcharges/commissions.
Of course, we have already published several reports on the beautiful Alfa Romeo Montreal .
