1949 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500

In the early 1920s, Alfa Romeo tasked their premier engineer, Vittorio Jano, with designing a high-performance, ultra-light car that would gain superiority on the road and track. The result was the 6C that was used in one form or another from 1925 through 1954.

In April of 1925, Alfa Romeo introduced the 6C 1500 at the Salone dell'automobile di Milano. It was equipped with an inline six-cylinder engine with a single overhead camshaft, a displacement of 1,487cc, and 44 horsepower. When it entered production in 1927, it wore bodies by Young and Touring. The 6C evolved over the years, gaining twin camshafts and a larger 1,750cc displacement size. From this, it went on to win every event it entered in 1929, including several European Grand Prix, as well as the Mille Miglia.

In 1933, displacement grew to 1,900cc and then to 2,300cc the following year. A new chassis and hydraulic brakes with individual front suspension and rear swing axles followed in 1934. In 1938, Alfa Romeo released their last model before the onslaught of World War II - the 6C 2500. WWII brought an end to racing activities, and with the bombing of the Portello factory in Italy, the production of all automobiles came to a close. When Alfa Romeo re-opened its doors, its products resembled its prewar production, both mechanically and aesthetically.

The race-developed 2500 motor with double overhead cams, was offered with either one or three Weber carburetors. The 2,443cc engine was installed in a steel ladder frame chassis with various wheelbase lengths available, including the SS or Super Sport using the shortest wheelbase in the series The Turismo used a 128-inch platform, the Sport measured 118.1 inches, and the Super Sport rested on a 106.3-inch wheelbase). The suspension remained all-independent, the braking system robust, the steering was fast-geared, and the gear change was via an Avant-grade column-mounted lever. The enlarged engine capacity and superior aerodynamics compensated for the slight weight increase over its prewar predecessor, with the 110-horsepower engine providing a top speed of 97 mph. The engine powering the Turismo offered 87 horsepower, the Super Sport had 110 horsepower, and the track-ready Tipo 256 produced 120 horsepower. Approximately eight examples of the Tipo 256 were built between 1939 and 1940 specifically for use in the Mille Miglia and the 24 Hours of LeMans. Tipo 256 coachwork included Spider and Berlinetta Touring body styles.

Most of the bodywork was built by Touring Superleggera of Mila, however, various coachbuilder built their own versions on the 2500. Production of the 6C 2500 continued into 1952 when it was replaced by the 1900.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2021