1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Turismo Compressore Series V

The Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Turismo Compressore (GTC) was produced in 1931 and 1932, and combined a detuned version of the 6C Gran Sport's 1,752-cubic-centimeter supercharged engine with a long-wheelbase chassis. The suspension was comprised of semi-elliptic springs and adjustable shock absorbers, and large brakes provided the stopping power. The axles and gearbox were derived from the 8C. Among the list of coachbuilders were Zagato, Touring, and Castagna, among others. Two examples received lightweight bodies and competed in the 1932 Mille Miglia, with one placing fourth overall and winning the closed-car production class.

Alfa Romeo produced 66 examples of the GTC in 1931, and this particular example is the third-to-last built (based on its chassis number). It wears a two-door Coupé Royal body with seating for four and coachwork by Carrozzeria Touring. Its styling was modern and aerodynamic, with a domed roof, sloping trunk, and streamlined fenders.

The car's history is known from 1983 forward, when Ugo Isgró of Silea, Treviso, Italy, acquired it from an individual from Turin. At the time, the car was in very poor condition and was devoid of an engine. Mr. Isgró enlisted Dino Cognolato at Carrozzeria Nova Rinascente in Vigonza, Padua, to have the body restored. The work included the reconstruction of the sloping rear trunk and restoring the overlapping running boards and front fenders to the correct specification. When the work was completed in 1984, it wore a yellow and black livery.

In 1985, the car was sold to Umberto Genovese who commissioned Bonfanti Garage in Bassano del Grappa, Vicenza, to restore all the mechanicals to full factory specification. The mechanical work was overseen by Gigi Bonfanti, including sourcing and installing a correct, supercharged, 1,752-cubic-centimeter inline, six-cylinder engine.

The Alfa Romeo would remain in Genovese's collection for the next three decades. The current custodian acquired the Alfa in 2015. Prior to its importation to the United States in late 2016, Bonfanti Garage recommissioned various components, including the clutch and radiator.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2022