Fantasy Junction

Description

1942 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Sport Cabriolet by Touring
s/n 915128 engine no. 923928
Red with Tan Interior

A development of the legendary 6C 2300, the 6C 2500 was available in a variety of trims, including the standard long wheelbase model, as well as the shorter wheelbase Sport and Super Sport models. Among the most expensive cars available at the time, they represent Alfa Romeo’s old-style, elegant, glamorous, and exclusive cars and were developed under the Vittorio Jano and Wilfredo Ricart. The specification is accordingly sophisticated, including dual overhead cam engine, independent suspension all round, and hydraulic brakes. Alfa Romeo ambitiously raced the 6C 2300 and 2500 following their introduction, amassing an impressive string of victories and podium finishes including 1-2 in the 1937 Mille Miglia, 1-2-3 in the 1937 6 hour Targa Abruzzo at Pescara backed up by another Pescara win in 1938. Successful races continued after the cessation of WWII hostilities, including an overall win in the 1950 Targa Florio.

This particular car is a Sport model, one of a handful of 6C 2500s produced during World War II, and one of fewer still with elegant cabriolet coachwork by Touring of Milan. Very few cars were originally built with this four-seat bodywork, possibly as few as three, as is noted in the authoritative 6C 2500 book by Angelo Tito Anselmi, which features period images of this unusual body style. It is possible that a few more examples were built, but unfortunately, factory records from this period are spotty, possibly because the Alfa Romeo works was bombed on 14-15 February 1943.

Stylistically, these bodies neatly split the difference between the separate fenders convention of prewar cars and the fully enveloping bodies of postwar cars, which is fitting given the car’s mid war build date. Three of these cars are known to exist today, and this car is the only one of those three that retains its original chassis, engine, and body.

This example was purchased new in Berlin by a man by the name of von Carnap, who bought at least five 6Cs in period and is believed to have been responsible for sourcing cars for high-ranking German officers. The chassis of this car was completed in June of 1942, and delivered in April of 1943, during which period the car was likely receiving its unique coachwork from Touring.

The car’s next known whereabouts are in 1960, in the state of Texas in the hands of a fellow named Donald Vesley, who, it was discovered many years later when maintenance work was being performed, received a speeding ticket in the car during that period. Vesley sold the car in 1974, and it passed through the hands of several owners before being acquired by a collector named Paul Myers in 1989.

Myers had the car restored in the early 1990s by Phil Reilly & Co., with bodywork performed by Moal Coachworks, both extremely well-regarded shops that consistently prepare show-winning cars of the highest caliber. Indeed, the car did very well when shown, winning the CCCA Senior National First Prize in the Primary Division at the Spring Grand Classic in 1999, Most Elegant Sports Car at Amelia Island in 2005, and Best in Class at the Greenwich Concours in 2008, an impressive feat for a restoration nearly 20 years old. During Myers’ ownership, the car was displayed at “The Candy Store” a sort of clubhouse for local enthusiasts of high caliber collector cars to store and display their cars in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The car has since been in the hands of collectors who have carefully maintained the high quality restoration and the car remains extremely nice today. The body panel fit is excellent throughout, and the paintwork was done to high standards and shows minor wear and aging. The chrome and brightwork are very good to excellent, as are the glass and lights. The car sits on excellent chrome wire wheels with vintage Michelin tires. There are two areas where the paint is chipped on the front cloisonné badge.

The interior is in equally nice condition, with excellent leather upholstery showing only the lightest of wear. The wool carpets are in excellent shape and were installed to high standards, and the dashboard, switches, and instruments are excellent. The speedometer and odometer are not operational at this time. The top and top boot are both in excellent shape.

The engine compartment is correct in appearance and quite clean, having been restored to show standards and then driven sparingly since. There is minimal soiling throughout, and the inner fenders are in restored good condition but are a bit dirty.

The car runs and drives very well. The engine is well-tuned and starts easily. It revs cleanly and makes good power. The gearbox works properly, as do the brakes, pulling the car up evenly. The suspension is tight and the car feels like one coherent piece rather than a collection of parts headed down the road.

This is an unrepeatable opportunity to acquire an exceptionally rare car. Only three examples are known to exist, and this is the only one that survives with its original body and engine. Restored by some of the best in the business, the car remains extremely nice. It runs and drives very well and is sure to be accepted to prestigious shows and driving events worldwide.

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.

Inquire About This Car

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