1930 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS Drop Head Coupe

This six-cylinder engine found in the 1750 was a dual overhead cam unit that was enhanced with the help of a Roots-Type supercharger. The 1750 had an advanced chassis and an unrivalled competition record. The 1750's were also renowned for their exceptional styling, having received coachwork from Europe's most exclusive custom coachbuilders.

This example (a 1933 model that is titled as a 1930), chassis number 121215033, is a very early 6th Series Grand Sport, of which only 44 were built. Introduced in 1933, these late-production 1750s received many of the features found on the new 6C 1900 GT, including a boxed chassis, third- gear synchromesh, a slightly taller radiator and updated instrumentation. The result of these improvements added greater comfort and mechanical sophistication, while retaining the sporting characteristics of the early models.

Castagna of Milan was tasked with outfitting this car with a Drop Head coupe body, reminiscent of the contemporary long-chassis 8C 2300s. In the back are dual rear-mounted spares and long, sweeping fender lines.

The car was discovered in the British Zone following World War II. It is believed that the car was built for a customer in Germany. The car was fortunate to survive the duration of the war, though it did receive a hole in the middle of the passenger door, which was caused by artillery fire.

The car was imported in the summer of 1955. On August 4th it was registered OMJ 480 to Chiltern Cars Ltd. and by the end of the month, it had been sold to Robert Thomas. It was acquired by George Simpson of Kent on September 5th of 1957 only to sell it to Frederick James Keeling a short time later. In June of 1959, it was acquired by Kenneth Koupal, by then the car had been refinished in red.

When Mr. Koupal moved to the United States, he brought with him. Once in the states, he dismantled the car with hopes of completing a comprehensive restoration. The car remained with him for more than four decades, though the restoration was never completed. The car was sold in 2002 to French collector Dr. Bruno Lafourcade.

Between 2003 and 2009, the car was given a complete restoration. Upon completion, the car was displayed at the 2010 Avignon Motor Festival as a tribute to Vittorio Jano's contributions to the centenary of Alfa Romeo.

The car was purchased by an American collector in 2010. The car is currently finished in black with contrasting red beltline and upholstery.

In 2012, this vehicle was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. The car had an estimated value of $750,000 - $850,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $781,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2012