Rob Jones

I've never looked back.

I saw my first Montreal proper while studying at art college for my degree in the early 1980's. A red one was often parked on the roadside near my flat in Southgate, North London. I was so taken with its lines that I produced an illustration of the car as part of my course work. Although I was a dedicated Alfista, I hadn't seen a Montreal other than in books and I failed to notice that some of the front bumper trim was missing and that there was some minor frontal damage. My illustration reflected this!

Some 18 years later, while buying a windscreen for my everyday driver (a 1600 GT Junior of twenty years), I spotted a Montreal at a local Alfa dealer specialising in older Alfas. I didn't pay much attention to it as I was convinced it would be much too expensive to buy and run and didn't want to invite temptation. Besides, I had read much about this forgotten Alfa in the press and was convinced that it would be an unreliable money pit! The dealer soon realised that I was an Alfa nut and as a true salesman tried to sell me the Monty. I dismissed it immediately, saying it would be far too expensive for my pocket, to which he replied "It's not as expensive as you might think"! He suggested a price that I was not expecting.

When I returned home I mentioned the Montreal to my wife, who surprised me by remarking that if I really wanted it I should make an offer. Although I offered the dealer a good price for a car of such pedigree, it was much less than he was asking. To my surprise he accepted and the deal was done. This was probably the most reckless purchase I have ever made, but as it turned out most definitely one of the best purchases I have ever made.

In seven years of ownership the car has never failed to put a big smile on my face. Since attending my first international meeting back in 2004, the experience of Montreal ownership has got better and better. Owning such a car has introduced me to many wonderful people and experiences. This contributes to the true value of the car, which for me is priceless.

return to the Alfa Romeo Montreal owners section