Vehicle Description
There are few who doubt Alfa Romeo to be one of the world's most
legendary and storied automobile manufacturers. Their history is
rich and complex, and an interesting study in the vastly different
markets that drove their pre-war and post-war vehicle production.
Their persistence would lead them to be one of a very select few
manufacturers that successfully made the switch from producing
exclusive, racing derived machines for wealthy clientele in the
pre-war period to mass-market saloons and coupes designed to appeal
the ever growing middle class in the post-war period. During World
War II and its aftermath, Alfa Romeo struggled mightily to survive.
The factory in Milan was producing munitions for axis forces and
therefore became a prime target for allied bombers, virtually
destroying the firm. Yet, remarkably, production and development
continued from other locations and Alfa survived the strife,
eventually becoming a leader in the mid-range market from the
mid-1950s and beyond thanks to the brilliant Giulia and Giulietta.
Between these two vastly different iterations of Alfa Romeo the
company lay the 6C 2500. The 6C was, in essence, the bridge between
pre-and post-war production for Alfa Romeo and served as their last
truly hand-built offering, with roots in the pre-war era, but
styling that definitively pointed to the future. The model's roots
go back to 1928 with Vittorio Jano's brilliant 6C 1500 Sport - the
first production car ever to offer a twin overhead cam engine -
itself inspired by the P2 monoposto Grand Prix car. Through many
series and variations, the 6C evolved through the years leading up
to WWII and beyond, with engine displacement growing from 1500cc
through to 2300cc and the chassis being regularly reworked to
reflect lessons learned on the racetrack by the likes of the
factory racing team, Scuderia Ferrari. Italy's best coachbuilders
had their turn with the 6C chassis, with the last-of-the-line 2500
Sport and short wheel base, triple carbureted Super Sport forming
the foundation for the new fully-enveloped style that would define
post-war automobiles around the world. With its glorious twin-cam
engine and sophisticated independent suspension, the 6C 2500 is one
of the best performing and most desirable automobiles of the era, a
car that embodies both the past and present of Alfa Romeo. The
ultimate spec for the 6C 2500 is the Super Sport chassis, and the
classic Touring coupe body with its Superleggera construction is
considered by Alfisti as the most desirable coachwork.� Our
featured 6C 2500 Super Sport wears chassis number 915.717, and
engine number 928008, noted as the very last 6C 2500 SS built in
1948. It is a matching number, breathtaking example with a proven
record in concours and in rallies around the world. Completed on
December 29th 1948, it was delivered new on July 18th 1949 to Sig.
Gastone Guetta of Milan. After its time with Guetta, it passed
through the hands of several other owners, hardly ever venturing
out of Milan for the next 40 years. The furthest it went from there
was to an owner in Modena, Italy in 1989 before finally finding its
way out of its homeland to Switzerland, then to the Netherlands,
and then to the UK where it was eventually purchased by Raoul San
Giorgi. Documents and notes from San Giorgi state that it was a
very fine, complete and highly original car when the restoration
was performed. In 2005, a new interior was custom made and fitted
and the car was repainted to an extremely high standard with fresh
chrome. �The newly freshened Alfa subsequently went on to achieve
great success at an array of prestigious concours, including Pebble
Beach in 2005 where it achieved a class award and was honored with
Road & Track Magazine's coveted "Car We'd Most Like to Drive"
trophy. Other accolades included a 1st in class at Amelia Island,
Best Italian GT Car at the Greenwich Concours, and a silver medal
at Villa d'Este, 2010. While this magnificent Alfa was racking up
the hardware on the concours circuit, it was also being thoroughly
enjoyed by its owners in VSCCA and AROC tours and rallies in the
USA, Canada and Italy. In 2010, it received a comprehensive engine
rebuild by DL George and Leydon Restorations which included fresh
Arias pistons, Carello rods, new shell bearings, rebuilt
carburetors and countless other ancillaries and details, totaling
over $68,000. The engine remains strong and performs exceptionally
well in all conditions. It has been sensitively upgraded for
touring with turn signals to supplement the original trafficators,
an electric fan for extreme conditions, a back-up electric fuel
pump and a high-torque starter for reliable duty on rallies (the
original unit is included). Today, this fabulous Alfa also remains
in overall beautiful cosmetic condition; its deep blue paintwork
serving a perfect complement to the magnificent Carrozzeria Touring
lines. Given the successful concours record, it is no surprise that
it presents in exceptional order with crisp and finely detailed
bodywork, however the paint is starting to show signs of aging.�
The interior is trimmed in grey leather, which is piped in dark
blue and presented over lovely dark blue carpets. Instruments and
switchgear are all beautifully restored, with the left-handed
column shifter a distinct feature of these models. Thankfully,
mastering the shift lever comes quickly despite its unconventional
placement and it quickly becomes like second nature. Vittorio
Jano's masterpiece, the 2.5 liter twin-cam six-cylinder, presents
like a piece of kinetic art under the bonnet. In triple carb Super
Sport specification, the car was rated at 105 horsepower. Thanks to
the comprehensive rebuild and minor upgrades, performance is
excellent and this exquisite motorcar is pure joy on the road. It
has recently proven its mettle in our hands with a flawless
performance in the 2017 Copperstate 1000 rally in Arizona. Just 60
of these magnificent Alfa Romeos were bodied by Carrozzeria Touring
and they remain among the most highly desirable and collectible of
the breed. The 6C 2500 SS is eligible for the Mille Miglia, and
virtually any classic event in the world, thanks to not only FIVA
authentication, but also CCCA Full Classic status. Included with
the sale are the aforementioned FIVA documents, as well as copies
of Automobile Club D'Italia records, correspondence from Alfa Romeo
Storico, restoration photos, and photos of the car when new.� This
is a rare opportunity to acquire a truly outstanding and proven
example of one of Alfa Romeo's finest ever creations.