1953 Alfa Romeo 1900

Alfa Romeo's first all-new vehicle of the post-war period was the 1900, introduced in 1950 and continued through 1959. Additionally, it was the first Alfa Romeo production car built without a separate chassis, with unitary construction, and on a modern production line. Power was from a twin-overhead-camshaft four-cylinder engine that displaced 1884cc and offered 90 horsepower. In keeping with the company's heritage, it was given sporting credentials that included the wishbone and coil sprung independent front suspension and a well-located live rear axle.

The 1900's true potential was realized with the 1951 launch of the 1900 Sprint which had bodywork by Pinin Farina (cabriolet) and Touring (coupes) but powered by the 100 horsepower engine of the 1900TI sports salon. The Touring Sprint offered family-sized accommodations in a two-door sport coupe package.

The Series 2 arrived in early 1954, and the model was mildly restyled and upgraded as the Super Sprint, with a 1975cc, 115 bhp engine and five-speed gearbox.

Between 1952 and 1953, Pinin Farina built 100 coupes on the short 1900 Sprint chassis. Whereas the Touring Superleggera designed example used aluminum panels over a tubular steel supporting structure, the Pinin Farina example had steel bodies with steel panels that had a thickness of just 0.7mm. The boot lid, dashboard, and bonnet were fashioned from aluminum.

Alfa Romeo built five variants of the 1900 specifically for independent coachbuilders.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2019