|
|
|
RM Auctions: 1952 Alfa Romeo 1900C Berlinetta by Touring
| 
| 1952 Alfa Romeo 1900C Berlinetta by Touring
Lot 417 by RM Auctions
Estimate: $90 000 - $120 000
Chassis no: AR130800068
Offered without reserve
RMAuctions.com
100bhp 1,884 cc twin cam inline four-cylinder engine, downdraft Solex carburetor, four-speed floor shift manual transmission, coil spring and double A-arm independent front suspension, solid rear axle with longitudinal radius arms and triangular lateral locator, coil springs and tubular hydraulic shock absorbers, four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 98.5? (2,500mm)
In 1950, Alfa Romeo introduced its first modern-era car to the public at the Paris Salon. The advanced 1900 model featured monocoque construction and a new, chain-driven, twin overhead cam engine and innovative suspension. Output was 90 brake horsepower at 4,800rpm. The resulting performance and handling were in the best sporting tradition, which was unique at the time in a roomy family saloon.
The higher-performance version of the 1900 engine, known as the 1900 TI (Turismo Internazionale) appeared in 1951. With larger valves and higher compression, the power increased to l00 brake horsepower at 5,500rpm and the maximum speed was elevated from 93 miles per hour to 105 miles per hour. It was this engine, in cars with the shorter wheelbase (2500mm) that produced the 1900C (Sprint). Alfa Sprints performed exceptionally well in competition (capable of 112 miles per hour in race trim), driven by legends such as Juan Manuel Fangio in the 1952 Mille Miglia and notably achieving an impressive overall result along with a 1-2-3-4-5 class win in the 1954 Carrera Panamericana Mexican road race.
The 1900 was the last Alfa chassis to be offered in quantity to the carrozzerias who regarded it an irresistible platform for their fantastic designs. An impressive number of futuristic shapes resulted from these partnerships including the radical series of B.A.T. Alfas by Bertone. Perhaps the best-known coachbuilt Alfa 1900s were from Touring of Milan who produced the stunning Disco Volante as well as the revered Superleggera coupes.
This lovely five-window Superleggera Berlinetta is one of 650 first-series examples produced from 1951-53 by Touring, greatly prized as the purest form for the model, featuring the highest level of bespoke detail. This car was the subject of a three-year-plus nut and bolt restoration by noted Italian car specialists RPM (Restoration and Performance Motors) in Vergennes, Vermont. No component was neglected, from a bottom-up engine rebuild, transmission, suspension, interior and trim, to the 12-coat final finish. Each step was exhaustively researched for authenticity, down to the signature Touring rosewood and aluminum steering wheel. There is a comprehensive photographic history of this epic restoration available with the car, and it was documented with a six-page ‘Restoration Profile’ in the January, 2006 issue of Hemmings Sports & Exotic Car magazine. (The car was then featured as the May image for their 2007 calendar.)
Today, with its stunning ice blue paintwork, complemented with an interior in monochromatic shades of blue and set off by its gorgeous Borrani wire wheels (one of the last original NOS sets available anywhere), this Alfa is elegance incarnate. Although the 1900C featured the shift lever on the steering column, it was a popular period modification to relocate it as a floor shift. This car is so equipped, adding to the owner’s driving pleasure on each of the several rallies in which it has participated including the 1000-mile Forza Amelia. Of course it is eligible for virtually any road event on the planet including the Mille Miglia Storica.
Presented in show-ready condition, the car has twice been invited to and shown at the Amelia Island Concours. Also two-time Best of Show winner from the Saratoga Auto Museum, it has won numerous awards. This car is complete with a correct spare on a Borrani wheel and includes a full record of the meticulous restoration.
| 
| 
| 
|
|
ItalianJob
|
