Lot 133: 1947 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 S

Like most manufacturers after World War Two, Alfa Romeo had to rebuild factories and produce a range of cars that would be economically viable to both manufacturer and public. Already a suitable engine existed in the 2.5 litre six cylinder of 1939, basically an enlarged version of the previous 2.3 litre unit, which powered the 6C 2500 Sport and Super Sport chassis of the same year; it was natural, therefore, to continue with these basic models when production resumed post-war. The Sport's twin carburettor 2,443cc engine now produced 90bhp at 4,600rpm while an optional three carburettor version, the SS (Super Sport) boasted ll0bhp at 4,800rpm. All post-war 6C 2500 variants featured independent coil spring suspension all round and specially cooled hydraulic drum brakes, and notably all were right-hand drive with column gear change. Predecessing the Freccia d'Oro, the famous Italian coachbuilder Touring of Milan built a strikingly handsome aluminium body for the 6C2500 S. Most significant is the very elegant rear view of the car, and as can be expected of a car with such pedigree, attention was paid to even the smallest detail. All the brightwork such as the door handles, light surrounds etc. was beautifully crafted in aluminium whereas the dashboard is an example of minimalist elegance. The Superleggera Touring, thanks to its lightweight aluminium coachwork, had also the advantage of being some 100 kg lighter than its more common sibling, the Alfa Romeo in-house built, steel bodied Freccia d'Oro. Chassis 915462 is a very rare example of the 6C2500 as it is reported to have had just 3 owners from new, the first being an Italian gentleman who bought the car new in 1948 from Turin based main dealers Gabbio & Vico. As the first owner lived near Mendoza in Argentina the car was subsequently shipped to South America. Both the original correspondence letters from Gabbio & Vico and the freight bill for the shipping to South America come with the car, as does the original handbook. The car was subsequently sold by the first owner to its proud second owner in 1985 and was shipped back to Italian soil. The third and present owner purchased this important Alfa approximately 4 years ago through a dealer and found it to be in remarkable original condition. The aluminium body needed no attention at all, it is still fitted with the original lightweight Perspex windows to the back and the rear sides. As luggage space was restricted by the spare wheel in the boot, all models featured provision to fit a roof rack, which was commissioned new by the vendor and is also offered with the car.The present owner is a well known Alfa Romeo enthusiast and as he used the car for International rallies, he had some sensible improvements for long distance touring installed. The complete interior was stripped and had modern sound and heat insulation fitted throughout the floor and the inside bulkhead of the car. No other than respected restorer Dino Cognolato was trusted with this task. In addition a rear axle differential with a higher ratio from the SS model as well as the three carburettors and inlet manifold, again from the more powerful SS model, considerably improve this stylish Alfa's touring capabilities. At the same time torsion bars were fitted to the rear axle and the gearbox has been reconditioned. All these works were carried out approximately 2 years ago.This matching numbers 6C2500 with the rare Touring coachwork must be one of the most original examples with an impeccable history. Attractively finished in the original colour scheme of "rossofaggio" (dark maroon) with contrasting "sabbia" (grey-beige) interior and sensible improvements for modern-day driving, this car is ready for the collection of any Alfa Romeo enthusiast and is certain to be a welcome participant in numerous events.