Vehicle Description
After its factory was devastated by wartime bombing, Alfa Romeo
didn't resume car production until 1947, relying on the pre-war
2500C to carry the brand until 1952. The company's first entirely
new post-war model arrived in 1950. Designed by Dr. Orazio Satta
Puliga and aimed at mass production, the 1900 was Alfa Romeo's
first model to feature unitary construction. True to the brand's
sporting heritage, it was powered by a twin-overhead-camshaft
engine. This four-cylinder engine, displacing 1,884cc, produced
90bhp, enough to propel the four-door saloon to a top speed of
93mph. Although initially a family car, the 1900 boasted impressive
sporting credentials beyond its advanced engine. It featured
wishbone and coil spring independent front suspension and a
well-located live rear axle, setting the stage for two
high-performance versions. Launched in 1950, the 1900C Sprint, with
bodywork by Pinin Farina (cabriolet) and Touring (coupe), used the
100bhp engine from the 1900TI sports saloon. The Touring-bodied
Sprint Coupe gained widespread acclaim, leading it to become the
template for future aerodynamic Alfa Romeo coupes. The Giulietta
Sprint, a direct descendant, clearly reflects this lineage. The
Sprint Coupe was designed for those seeking a combination of
sporting performance and '2+2' seating, appealing to sports car
enthusiasts with families. Its heart-shaped vertical grille,
flanked by matching horizontal side intakes, became an Alfa Romeo
hallmark in subsequent models. In June 1954, the engine was
enlarged to 1,975cc, and the model was rebranded as the 'Super
Sprint.' With 115bhp and a favorable power-to-weight ratio thanks
to its aluminum-alloy body, these cars could reach speeds of up to
118 mph and excelled in various competitions. By the end of its
production, 949 Sprints and 854 Super Sprints had been built. This
rare example of a landmark Alfa Romeo model features sumptuous
coachwork by Carrosserie Ghia, Aigle, the Swiss branch of the
renowned Italian design house. Priced at 35,000 Swiss Francs, it
was more expensive at the time than a new Mercedes 300 SL!
Carrosserie Ghia SA, Aigle was founded on April 30, 1948, by Dr.
Pierre-Paul Filippi, a physician from Turin, to produce Ghia
designs in Switzerland. At that time, Turin-based Carrozzeria Ghia
was owned by Mario Boano, with post-war designs initially styled by
him, followed by Giovanni Michelotti and later Pietro Frua. In
September 1954, the company moved from Aigle to Lugano, staying
there until April 1958 before returning to Aigle. Ghia Aigle was
remarkably diverse in its choice of chassis, crafting bodies for
cars from Delahaye, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Bugatti, Lancia,
Ferrari, and Alfa Romeo. By the early 1960s, the company had
shifted focus to repairs and building bodies for ambulances,
removal vans, and other commercial vehicles, eventually going into
liquidation in the mid-1980s. This 1957 Alfa Romeo 1900C SS Coupe,
believed to be the work of a young Giovanni Michelotti, is one of
only seven Alfa Romeos bodied in this unique style by Ghia-Aigle.
Chassis number '10439' underwent a comprehensive restoration in
2017, including interior re-trimming, bodywork renovation, and
servicing of the engine, gearbox, clutch, and brakes in Bergamo,
Italy. Since completion, all aspects of the restoration have seen
minimal use and remain in immaculate condition. During the
meticulous renovation of this 1900C SS, it was finished in a
stunning two-tone color combination. The lower half showcases a
beautiful shade of light blue metallic, while the top half is
elegantly done in champagne, enhancing the car's body lines, and
creating the illusion of a hardtop. The front bumper was tastefully
upgraded with the installation of sleeker, more discreet Marchal
fog lights. The original chrome wheels have been fitted with sporty
Pirelli Cinturato HS tires. The interior of this 1900C SS has been
thoroughly restored, undergoing a complete top-to-bottom
renovation. Nearly every surface has been reupholstered in warm
squash-colored leather, creating a cohesive and inviting
atmosphere. The dashboard mirrors the exterior's light blue
metallic finish, seamlessly tying the interior to the car's overall
design. New beige carpeting has been installed and all metal
surfaces, gauges, and trim pieces have been polished to their
original brilliance. The iconic Nardi steering wheel serves as the
perfect finishing touch, complementing the car's elegant interior
theme. The engine bay has received the same thorough attention as
the rest of the vehicle. It still features the robust 1,975cc DOHC
inline 4-cylinder engine, equipped with twin Solex carburetors and
paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The engine has been refreshed
and meticulously detailed, with all fasteners, hoses, and hardware
either replaced or restored. The intake manifold and valve cover
have been properly refinished in wrinkle black. Included with the
car is a comprehensive collection of restoration photos documenting
the renovations, along with an assortment of restoration receipts.
Beautifully restored and sparingly driven since its restoration,
this coachbuilt 1957 Alfa Romeo 1900C SS Coupe offers the
exhilarating experience of what a Super Sprint would have felt like
fresh off the showroom floor. With its punchy performance, balanced
handling, excellent brakes, it's no wonder the Alfa 1900C SS is one
of the most beloved driver's cars of its era. Add to it the
sophisticated styling by the masters at Carrozzeria Ghia-Aigle,
this spectacular example is perfect for carving up your favorite
ribbons of tarmac and equally at home on the concours lawn. Please
note the car is titled as a 1959. Offers welcome and trades
considered. For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7781-1957-alfa-romeo-1900css-coupe/
