1949 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Villa dEste Coupe

The origin of the Alfa Romeo 6C began in the mid-1920s with the newly developed twin-cam '6C' engine which would go on to power formidable race cars and highly refined road-going vehicles. Among the accolades were a 1st and 2nd Place at the 1937 Mille Miglia and 1st Place at the 1950 Targa Florio.

The carrozzeria Touring coachwork on the short-wheelbase 6C 2500 Villa d'Este includes an enlarged rear window and the addition of the rear-quarter window, with a thin C-pillar behind the quarter light mimicking the proportions of the A-pillar. There are streamlined wheel housings, a new height ratio of headlight to driving light, the transposition of the front bumper sections and air-intake vents, and the rear fenders encroach on the doors to their front. In the back is a very slight tail fin and a narrow, continuous bumper.

The 2,443cc, dual overhead camshaft inline 6-cylinder engine is equipped with three Weber 36DO2 carburetors and delivers 110 horsepower at 4,800 RPM. It is backed by a four-speed synchromesh manual gearbox, and stopping power is provided by hydraulic drum brakes at all four corners. The independent suspension uses coil springs at the front and swing axles and torsion bars at the back.

The 'Villa d'Este' received its name after a new 6C 2500 SS by Touring won the Grand Prize at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in September 1949.

Approximately 32 examples of the Villa d'Este were built (and fewer than 20 are known to exist) and it is believed that this example is the seventh unit built. It was originally delivered to Mr. J. Cohenca of Cairo, Egypt, who was a member of a prominent, possibly royal family. Rick Bucklew of San Diego was the car's next caretaker who acquired it in 1972 from the Buick dealership where he worked following the car being traded toward a new Buick. The next few years were spent in storage until 1988, when it was purchased by Robin Otto of London, who sent the car to Milan for a restoration. While there, it was spotted by Roberto Squillario of Monte Carlo, Monaco, who purchased the car from Mr. Otto and completed the restoration. Charles Morse purchased it in 1996, followed by Malcolm Harris, who imported it to the United States, taking part in the Colorado Grand with the car circa 2002.

In 2003, the current owner purchased the car from Mr. Harris, and soon a thorough refinement of the restoration commenced, including a re-trimming of the interior and procuring a period-correct set of Marchal headlights and driving lights. The car received a proper, engraved Touring steering wheel and renewed the Plexiglas side windows. The car was then shown at various concours in California, where it won numerous awards.

The car is finished in dark green metallic paint with a light green leather interior. It has highly polished brightwork and wire wheels with period-design Dunlop Fort tires.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2021