ALFA ROMEO 2000 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Alfa Romeo was riding the high tides and introduced the Berlina 2000 in 1971 as an improved version of the already popular Berlina, offering more power and performance.

The Italian carmaker introduced the Berlina range in 1968 with a lively 1.8-liter engine, and it thought it should be enough. In times when cars usually did the zero-to-sixty (0-97 kph) in 15 seconds or more, any car that could get into the ten-second range was considered fast, at least after European standards. But then, the customers asked for more and, in 1971, Alfa Romeo introduced the 2000 version.

Designed by a 30 years old man named Giorgetto Giugiaro from Bertone Studios, the Berlina 2000 looked almost the same as the 1750 Berlina. Its front fascia was slightly different, though. It featured four equally sized headlights 146 mm (5.75") and a completely black grille surrounding the Alfa Romeo shield badge. Its slightly raked windshield opened the way to a roomy greenhouse with big side windows. From its profile, the cab-rearward design evoked the rear-wheel-drive architecture.

Inside, the carmaker offered a spacious cabin for five, thanks to its long wheelbase and almost vertical side panels. An instrument cluster raised in front of the driver featuring the big dials for the tachometer and speedometer. The carmaker mounted three other additional gauges on the dash panel's front side. Depending on the options, a center console hosted the gear-selector for the automatic transmission or the gear-stick that popped out through the floor.

Under the hood, Alfa Romeo installed a 2.0-liter engine fed by two Weber carburetors for most parts of the world and an option for a fuel-injected system for North America. The carmaker paired it to a five-speed manual gearbox or a three-speed automatic. Its coils-spring suspension in all corners ensured both a comfortable ride and good cornering speed abilities.