The basic body shape shared by all models was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro for Bertone. It was one of his first major projects for Bertone, and borrowed heavily from his earlier design for the Alfa Romeo 2000 Sprint/2600 Sprint. The balance of glass and metal, the influence of the shape of the front and rear glass on the shape of the cabin, and the flat grille with incorporated headlamps were groundbreaking styling features for the era.

The 105 series coupés featured the GT (Gran Turismo) model description, which was common to all models in one form or another.

The various models in this range can be considered in two broad categories.

On one hand were the various Gran Turismos (GT) and Gran Turismo Veloces (GTV), (veloce is Italian for “fast”). These were meant to be the most sporting cars in the Alfa Romeo range and sold very well to enthusiastic motorists around the world.