1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500S Berlinetta Touring

Introduced in 1939, the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 was the result of over a decade of gradual development of the ‘6C’. Starting in 1927 with the 6C 1500, the six cylinder engined machines had served as Alfa Romeo’s main production model but also scored numerous competition successes. The 6C 2500 would remain in Alfa’s line-up until 1952 and is to this day regarded as one of the company’s finest cars.

The main distinguishing feature compared to the outgoing 6C 2300 was the enlarged engine. This twin overhead camshaft straight six, originally designed by the legendary Vittorio Jano, grew in size from 2309 cc to 2443 cc courtesy of a slightly larger bore. It was available equipped with either one or three Weber carburettors. The triple was used for the top of the range 6C 2500 ss model, which also featured a high-compression head. In that specification, the engine produced a quoted 110 bhp.

A majority of the 6C 2500s produced were clothed by Touring of Milan. The designs of their bodies evolved much faster than Alfa Romeo’s chassis, making it very easy to distinguish the pre and post-War machines. The most famous is no doubt the two-door coupe that won the 1949 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este and was subsequently known as the Villa d’Este Coupe. Another body of note was the ‘Freccia d’Oro’ introduced in 1947. This large two-door coupe was welded to the chassis and was a precursor to the unitary chassis that would soon become the norm.

Only a handful of 6C 2500 Sport Alfa Romeos were built from 1939-1942, and this may well be the finest survivor. It will be immensely satisfying to own, drive and show.