1954 Alfa Romeo 1900 Coupe

Alfa Romeo's first post-war production model was the 1900 and the company's first car to utilize unit-body construction. It was smaller and more compact than the pre-war designed 6C 2500. The unit-body construction made it more difficult for Italy's coachbuilders to create custom coachwork. Power was from an iron-block and aluminum-head four-cylinder engine with chain-driven dual overhead camshafts. They were introduced as a sedan in 1950, followed by a more sporting 1900C Sprint Coupe. Alfa Romeo continued to extract power from the two-liter engine, which culminated into 115 horsepower for the SS (Super Sprint).

Bertone, Ghia, Touring and Pinin Farina created a variety of one-off and limited-production designs for the Alfa Romeo 1900. This particular example was designed by Giovanni Savonuzzia for Ghia.

This particular Ghia-bodied example features headlights that 'hang' inside a larger fender opening that resembles an air intake. Savonuzzi and Ghia would continue this theme and design style for Chrysler's Turbine car. The front bumper on this car is also believed to be unique, as it was a design proposed by Ghia for the original Karmann Ghia Type 3 Coupe. Inside, there is a Nardi steering wheel and floor-shift linkage. It also rides on lightweight Borrani alloy-rim wire wheels.

Around 1995, this 1900 SS was given a restoration. More recently, it has been given a comprehensive engine overhaul, which included new brakes, radiator, and clutch.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2014