1932 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Spyder

The 6C 1750 could be purchased in one of three versions: a naturally aspirated Turismo, a twin-cam Sport, and the supercharged Gran Sport or Super Sport. The supercharged versions, as used by the factory, were lightweight and powerful.

This automobile with chassis number 6C10814391, is very original, completely unrestored example of the ultimate variation of the Alfa Romeo 6C 1750. Of the three 1750 body configurations, the Grand Sport was a short chassis, supercharged model, and this example is made even more dashing with its lightweight Zagato coachwork. Zagato was the master of the Superleggera principle of building aluminum body panels over a small gauge steel framework. Just over 300 Grand Sports were built between 1929 and 1933, and they won the Mille Miglia as well as many other road races in the hands of drivers such as Tazio Nuvolari and Achille Varzi.

The certificate of origin on this fifth-series Gran Sport was issued on August 3, 1932. It was sold by Alfa Romeo dealer and race organizer Oreste Peverelli to Sig. Renato Lo Cascio and given registration number 6857 CO. The car wore this two-place Zagato body and a number of distinguishing characteristics. It has the rare waterfall grille and flowing fenders, a design that was applied to only three examples. Other features include a trail of rivets along the bonnet, distinctive single-plane bumpers, a radiator without a temperature gauge and coachwork that is two inches wider at the back when compared with similar Zagato bodies.

In the late 1940s, this car was sold to Ralph Stein and would remain in his care for the next two decades. It was sold in 1971 to David Tunick of Greenwich, Connecticut. The car was stored for many years which helped preserve its original condition. After Mr. Tunick passed away, the Alfa Romeo was displayed in the Preservation Class at Pebble Beach where it won Second in Class.

In 2001, the car was sold to a gentleman living in France. At the time, the care had 13,654 original kilometers. While in his care, the engine was completely rebuilt and it later participated on the Mille Miglia Storica on three separate occasions.

Later, the car returned to the United States and into the care of its fifth owner. Since then, the car has been given a comprehensive mechanical rebuild in preparation for vintage racing and touring.

In 2007, the car was on display at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it successfully completed the Tour d'Elegance and was placed in the Pre-war Preservation Class.

In 2010, this Alfa Romeo 6C was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. As bidding came to a close, the lot had been sold for the sum of $1,540,000, including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2011