1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Turismo Drophead Coupe

In 1929, Alfa Romeo sent this chassis and single-camshaft engine to coachbuilder James Young, Ltd, of Bromley, Kent. It had job order number 2074 and was given a drophead coupe body. The first owner of this completed vehicle took possession of the car on February 27th, 1930. The car was registered for road use and issued UK plates, GC 7266 which it still wears today.

Between 1930 and the late 1960s, little is known about the vehicle's ownership history. It did remain in England and it appears to have been well cared for. In 1968, it was acquired by McEwen & Bell of Derbyshire who sold it to D.G.T. Russell of Northampton in 1970. It was sold two years later to William David Black, who retained the car until 1986. It was acquired by Usui Benzo at that time and exported to Japan, leaving the United Kingdom.

The car has gray paintwork and a burgundy interior which is believed to be original. There is a dark gray top that is easy to raise and lower.

At some point, while the car was in Mr. Black's care, the original single-camshaft engine was replaced with a correct-type dual-camshaft unit. The replacement Turismo engine was sourced from a 6C 1750 third series example from 1930. This switch gave the engine a four horsepower boost and a broader torque range. There is a three-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel drum brakes.

In 2009, This Alfa-Romeo was offered for sale by Gooding & Company at their Pebble Beach auction. The lot was estimated to sell for $300,000 - $400,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the lot had been sold for the sum of $143,000, inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2010