1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Cabriolet

Originality is a quality that is often sought after with collector automobiles, and this Alfa Romeo 6C 1750GT still retains its original cabriolet body, which was fitted by Carrozzeria Castagna in 1931. It is believed that this vehicle was a gift to Tazio Nuvolari from the Alfa Romeo factory when new. Nuvolari was a very accomplished driver with a very successful racing career, with five European Championships for Alfa Romeo.

After World War II, the car was purchased by an American and brought to the United States. In the 1950s, it was purchased by Mr. Paul W. Hatmon of Independence, Missouri, who traded a Jaguar XK for the car. Mr. Earl Brown of Kentucky became the car's next caretaker in 1961. In the early 2000s, the car was sold to a collector in Italy. Since the acquisition, the car has been given a sympathetic restoration with the purpose of preserving the Alfa. The original green paint and a fragment of the lizard-patterned calfskin upholstery were used as a guide. The Castagna body number was found on various body panels and parts, another confirmation of the coachwork's originality. After the work was completed, the car was awarded 'Best of Show' at the 2009 Concours d'Elegance Trofeo Salvarola Terme, as well as the best pre-war car at the 2010 concours at San Pellegrino Terme and 'Best of Show' in the Pre-War Class at the Concorso d'Eleganza in Motion during the Vernasca Silver Flag in 2011.

Modern modifications made to the car include the electric cooling fan and a water temperature gauge. The car has a full set of tools, and documentation of the restoration process. Powering the car is a six-cylinder, dual overhead cam engine that offers 55 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual transmission and four-wheel drum brakes.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at RM Auction's Monaco sale. The car carried a pre-auction estimated value of €325.000-€375.000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for €336.000 inclusive of the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2012