Lot to be sold without reserve - Estimater US$160,000 - US$180,000
Chassis no. 02096
Engine no. 10306
1,975cc DOHC Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Twin Solex Carburetors
115bhp at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Coil Spring Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Alfin Drum Brakes
*Delivered new to Chicago
*Nicely presented example
*Stylish Touring Superleggera alloy 5-window Coupe coachwork
*Eligible for prominent pre-1958 driving events
THE ALFA ROMEO 1900
Its factory devastated by wartime bombing, Alfa Romeo did not resume car production until 1947, the pre-war 2500C serving the Milan marque in good stead until 1952. The firm's first all-new offering of the post-war period arrived in 1950. Designed by Dr. Orazio Satta Puliga and intended for volume production, the 1900 was the first Alfa to employ unitary construction and - in keeping with the company's sporting heritage - was powered by a twin-overhead-camshaft engine.
Although ostensibly a humble family conveyance, the 1900 was endowed with sporting credentials which extended beyond its power unit, owners enjoying the benefits of wishbone and coil spring independent front suspension and an exceptionally well located live rear axle. It should have surprised nobody, therefore, when the 1900's potential was realized in the form of two high performance derivatives. Launched in 1951, the short-wheelbase 1900C Sprint featured bodywork by Pinin Farina (cabriolet) and Touring (coupe), both models utilizing the 100bhp engine of the 1900TI saloon. The Touring-bodied Sprint Coupe attracted such public acclaim that it was subsequently adopted as the basis for all future 'aerodynamic' Alfa Romeo coupes.
The Sprint Coupe was designed to offer sporting performance together with '2+2' accommodation, while the heart-shaped vertical grille with matched horizontal side intakes became an Alfa trademark on later models. In June 1954 the engine was enlarged to 1,975cc and the model re-designated as the 'Super Sprint'.
From 1956 a new 3-window body was offered for the 1900 chassis by Touring, also in the Superleggera style. With 115bhp on tap and possessing an excellent power-to-weight ratio courtesy with the alloy body, these cars could top 115mph. The 1900 in all its guises shone in competitions of all kinds, such as the Mille Miglia and Targa Florio, and remains one of the most successful cars produced by the Italian manufacturer.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
With the ability to gain entry into desirable events becoming a great factor in the interest in various motorcars, it is little wonder that the awesome Alfa Romeo 1900 has become such a hot commodity given its ability to run so many great tours, rallies and events.
This 1900C SS is from the later part of the production of the 3rd Series. It is clothed in Touring's elegant 5-window aluminum bodywork, offering sporting good looks that do not sacrifice an ample greenhouse and comfortable cabin. Understood to have been delivered new to Chicago, it spent the quarter of a century in Chicagoland before crossing the pond to the United Kingdom. Returning to the United States after about three decades in single ownership abroad, it was acquired by the current owner more recently.
Restored in the last few years, it is reported that the engine has been rebuilt and the cosmetics refreshed inside and out (documentation of the work completed does not accompany the car, however). Finished in red over matching red leather with grey broadcloth inserts and red carpet, it is a luscious and sporty color scheme than suits the car nicely. An Alfa Romeo Certificate of Origin documents the cars original specification and delivery.
Today the Alfa continues to show well and will no doubt serve as an excellent mount in which to participate in future events such as the California Mille, Copperstate 1000, Colorado Grand and Tour Auto.
Text & Image: Bonhams
Auction Details: 4 June | Greenwich, W. R. Berkley Corporate Headquarters
