Fantasy Junction

Description

1952 Alfa Romeo 1900C Sprint Touring
s/n AR1900C*01046*, eng. no. AR1308*00108*
Silver with Blue Leather Interior and Grey Cloth inserts

In 1950 when Alfa Romeo launched their all-new unit bodied 1900 series, unprecedented demand for the innovative and stylish car immediately propelled Alfa Romeo into larger more profitable markets. The 1900 platform was versatile and technically sophisticated. Many of the finest Italian coachbuilders were immediately consulted to design and construct bodies for the 1900. This important move allowed a key transition from traditional body on frame coachbuilding, ultimately extending the viability of coachbuilt artistry as the auto industry evolved. The resultant range of special body configurations made the 1900 one of the leading platforms among European coachbuilders of the 1950’s. Among the most desirable and arguably the most elegant of the coachbuilt 1900s is the Touring bodied 1900C.

Touring Carrozeria’s patented Superleggera (super lightweight) construction employed specifically for the 1900, utilized a formed steel sub-frame, cleverly enveloped by a lightweight aluminum skin. In the Touring design, the classically inspired coupe offered a clean and fluid lower body accented by crisp raised character lines exquisitely formed into the alloy body. The delicately constructed upper body was lightly garnished by modest trim and beautifully proportioned glass. This simple elegance had an even sportier touch when offered in the shorter 2,500mm wheelbase, as the 1900C Sprint. The Sprints performed exceptionally well in competition, delivering multiple racing victories throughout the world.

This lovely Touring Superleggera Coupe is from the first series of production, each of which were hand made from 1951 to 1953 by Carrozzeria Touring. Among the evolution of this series, the most desirable is the earliest of the four body designs due to the low roof, smaller rear window, fluid canopy design, recessed door handles, and prettier grille brows, all of which embody the finest of the original design details and handmade alloy coachwork. This particular first series 1900C was delivered to a resident of Pennsylvania in May 1952. Powered by the high- performance Tipo 1308 engine, the car passed through ownership in the US before a comprehensive three-year restoration was performed by Italian car specialists Restoration and Performance Motors, Vermont. It has since participated in events as a multiple concours winner and also participated in the 1000-mile Forza Amelia. Having previously been under the ownership of noted American collector David Ward, the car was driven sparingly and was exhibited at the 2018 Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace. Beautifully presented, this 1900C features many desirable details including beautiful two-tone paint, leather and cloth interior, Nardi steering wheel, and a period-correct Condor radio.

Today, this elegant Alfa Romeo 1900C presents in superb condition, with beautifully finished two-tone silver paint applied with consistent coverage and excellent final polish. The lustrous and elegant colors reveal the signature Touring crisp wheel opening lines, rocker scallop, and taut upper canopy with rich glints of reflective elegance. This elegance is enhanced by stunning polished alloy Borrani wire wheels and chrome-plated dual-ear knockoffs scripted with the Alfa Romeo name. A set of period correct Avon Turbospeed tires are mounted. The wire wheels encase full-diameter alloy drum brake castings, hinting at the legendary Alfa Romeo competition history. The minimal chrome trim surrounding the Carello headlamps is perfectly formed and polished, while the glass, accessory lights, and teardrop door handles are beautifully fit to the body. Even the correct profile fluted glass gaskets are properly fit to the body. The Touring Superleggera coachwork badges, Alfa Romeo emblems, center grille and side grilles are exceptional pieces of automotive jewelry, accenting perfectly with the Touring “moustache” curves.

The remarkable two-tone interior is breathtaking, presented in contrasting blue leather with grey cloth inserts, the supple leather and cloth materials across the hinged bench seats create a comforting feel, while the body-colored dash and full instrumentation convey the sporting spirit. The dashboard and accompanying instruments are beautifully restored and wonderfully laid out displaying gorgeous Italian design, fronted by the rare flat profile polished aluminum and lacquered rosewood Nardi steering wheel. The instruments are clear, beautifully colored, and surrounded by crisp polished trim adorning the large and small dial faces. Further details include a period correct Condor radio, driver’s side rubber floor mat, beautifully detailed interior door handles and window cranks, elegant wool broadcloth headliner, and correctly trimmed carpet. Overall, the interior exhibits the same excellence and attention to craftsmanship as found on the exterior.

The engine compartment has been correctly restored using factory finishes, correct hardware and fasteners, and proper wiring, all of which have mellowed over time, but still remain very fine. The textured black castings are uniformly finished, the engine compartment is finished in satin black, and the aluminum features are not overly polished as found in many show cars. Proper textured finishes and correct details also support the mechanical sorting that has been done since the restoration was completed. The trunk is finished with an alloy Borrani spare wheel and matching Avon tire nestled into the formed tub, while the floor is covered with a correct fluted form-fitting rubber mat. The underside of the car has been restored with the same attention to detail and authenticity afforded to the exterior. Finishes are properly executed including the correct exhaust, green leather axle straps, an updated electric fuel pump to improve reliability, and woven copper ground straps. The floor is structurally sound, suspension components and alloy castings are in excellent condition, and the chassis is representative of correct contemporary restoration processes performed by expert practitioners.

On the road, this 1900C Sprint delivers a delightful driving experience. Originally designed for touring, the 1900 was remarkably well balanced for a wide range of rural and urban roads, which still holds true today. The exceptional restoration performed on this car delivers enjoyable spirited Italian performance, further enhanced by the 1308 twin-cam engine. Of particular note is the roomy interior which allows for comfortable vintage event use with ample luggage space and rear storage compartment which can be readily accessed while underway.

This Alfa Romeo 1900C Sprint represents a rare opportunity to acquire a beautifully restored early Touring coachbuilt Alfa Romeo with excellent visual presentation and enjoyable road manners. The combination of Touring design elegance and sportiness, coupled with the remarkable interior makes this 1900 a wonderful event and show car eligible for numerous major automotive venues throughout the world. For those who admire hand-built alloy coachwork, top level restoration, twin-cam performance, and rarity, this Alfa Romeo 1900C truly delivers the unmistakable combination of exceptional motoring and Italian design.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608