Alfa Metais produced five Puma models. The AM-1 and AM-2 were air-cooled VW based coupes and convertibles similiar to the GTI and GTC. The AM-3 and AM-4 were water-cooled VW based coupes and convertibles powered by a VW Gol (VW Fox in the U.S.) engine mated to a Brazilian VW Kombi diesel transaxle. The AMV was an updated version of the GM based GTB. Alfa Metais tried to take the cars up-market with plush interiors and other luxury features. The factory continued to race in order to promote its image as a performance sports car. Despite these efforts, sales were relatively low, with AMV production accounting for a higher proportion of the total than the GTB did in earlier times. Alfa Metais also produced Puma trucks, production of which did not end until 1998.

The person most closely associated with this period of Puma history is Nivio de Lima, the managing director of Alfa Metais. De Lima, a fan of Puma cars, decided to make a serious attempt to revive and continue the marque. Alfa Metais assumed production from Araucaria Veiculos in 1987. The air-cooled AM-1 and AM-2 were quickly introduced from existing molds and tools. The GM based AMV was introduced in 1988. The water-cooled AM-3 and AM-4 followed in 1989 with revised styling and water-cooled engines. The Alfa Metais cars exhibited a high standard of finish, but they were not able to successfully compete with the more modern sports cars becoming available in the Brazil. Unfortunately, Nivio De Lima was killed in an automobile accident. Any future for Puma car production died with him.

AM-2 Convertible

The AM-2 was basically the GTC with a mild facelift.
This is a factory brochure photo.

AM-1 and AM-2 Factory Brochure

Brochure scans provided by Sandro Berlatto.

1988 GM Based AMV

As tested by Quatro Rodas.
Rear view of the test car.

1988 AMV Interior

The AMV was quite plush.

Alfa Metais Factory Photo

AMV, AM-3, and Puma truck.

Another Factory Photo

AMV and AM-2 convertible.

AM-3 Coupe

Side intakes indicate that this is a water-cooled car.
Another AM-3 Coupe factory brochure photo.
Scans from Jose Mauricio Silvestre and Sandro Berlatto.

AM-4 Convertible Factory Photo

From the cover of the owner's manual.
Scan provided by Jose Mauricio Silvestre.

AM-4 Convertible

Side intakes helped to cool the engine.
Rear cooling vents were also added.
Photos provided by Walbert de Carvalho.

Another AM-4

Click here for more AM-4 pictures.

1989 AM-2 Convertible

The AM-2 lacks the side intakes of the AM-4.
Another AM-2 convertible.

Alfa Metais Factory Racer

Another shot of this cool racing machine.
Photos provided by Ivan Mauricio Riediger.

Late Production Rear Engine Coupe

This car has a 2.0 liter water-cooled engine.
Owner: Ricardo de Araujo Pereira

Another Late Production Coupe

Owner: Louis Lipp

1990 Alfa Metais Puma AMV

Owner: Jose Mauricio Silvestre

Another Sharp 1990 AMV

Owner: Marcelo J Costa

1991 Alfa Metais AMV

Owner: David Antonio Caparroz Salvadore

Information on Alfa Metais Pumas is relatively scarce. Only a few were imported to the U.S. of which three, all AM-4 convertibles, are known to me. If anyone can provide additional information about the Alfa Metais period of Puma history, please contact me.