Fantasy Junction

Description

1952 Alfa Romeo 1900C Sprint Touring
s/n AR1900C*01265*, eng. no. AR1308*00368*
Carrozzeria Touring no. 3783
Red with Tan Leather Interior with Beige 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 stunning special body configurations made the 1900 one of the leading platforms among European coachbuilders of the 1950’s. Among the most desirable and arguable the most elegant of the coachbuilt 1900s is the Touring bodied 1900C.

Touring Carrozeria’s patented Superleggera (super lightweight) construction employed specifically on the 1900, utilized a formed steel sub-frame, cleverly enveloped by a lightweight aluminum skin. In the Touring design, the classically inspired coupe utilized a clean and fluid lower body accented only by crisp raised character lines exquisitely formed into the alloy body. The delicately constructed upper body was only lightly garnished by 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 wins in competition throughout the world.

This lovely Touring Superleggera Coupe is from the first-series of production, which was manufactured from 1951 to 1953 by Carrozzeria Touring. Among the evolution of this series, the most desirable is the earliest of the four sequenced 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 car was completed in early 1952 and is known to have spent time in Italy and later in Germany. A Dutch Alfa Romeo collector is also reported to have owned the car for more than 20 years before selling it to Paolo Stallone, an Italian living in South Germany. The current owner purchased the car from Stallone in 2012.

After his purchase, the current owner reviewed the condition of the car and decided to embark on a complete restoration. The car was placed in the care of experts at Laboratorio Lopane in Italy who are renown throughout the world for Alfa Romeo restorations, particularly for their specialization in alloy body panels. During this time, it was revealed that a steel nose had been constructed for the front of the car. The decision was made to then strip the car completely, and fit a new alloy nose to the body using original Touring specifications. At the same time, the body was placed on a rotisserie fixture allowing for comprehensive alloy work, metal work as needed, and careful restoration of the original body. As work grew, it became clear that a total restoration was the only proper way to honor such an important car. Four years later, the car emerged from restoration including a beautifully finished interior from Maili in Milano, with mechanical and electrical work performed by Metzemacher of Koln, Germany. Restoration work was documented with detailed photos and invoices. Approximately $200,000 was spent on the restoration with the goal of achieving not only a high quality finish, but also a cohesive and elegant presentation that properly represents the refined craftsmanship and elegant design of the original.

Today, this elegant Alfa Romeo 1900C presents in superb condition, with beautifully finished deep red paint, applied with consistent coverage and excellent final polish. The lustrous and deep color reveals the signature Touring crisp wheel opening lines, rocker scallop, and taut upper canopy with rich glints of reflective elegance. This is perfectly offset by a masculine and purposeful stance courtesy of Borrani wide alloy wire wheels, which wear Pirelli Cinturato tires and are accented by chrome-plated dual-ear knock-offs handsomely scripted with the Alfa Romeo name. The wire wheels encase full-diameter alloy drum brake castings, giving the car a competition flavor, befitting the Sprint designation. 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 proper spiral-metal rear glass gasket recesses elegantly into the rubber surround, nearly vanishing against the deep red body color. The Touring Superleggera coachwork badges, Alfa Romeo emblems, and supporting grille and side vent trim are exceptional pieces of automotive jewelry, accenting perfectly the darker body color. Often presented without bumpers to spoil the stunning elegance of the Touring design, this car is no exception, and is all the more elegant with its clean and unadulterated form. Every element of this car has been wonderfully composed with beautiful finishes and exceptional detailing evident from every view.

The remarkable two-tone interior is simply breathtaking, presented in contrasting tan leather with beige cloth inserts, the softer 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 flair in design, accented by the polished aluminum and lacquered wood Nardi steering wheel. The instruments are clear, beautifully colored, and surrounded by crisp polished trim surrounding both the large and small faces with excellent visual results. Further details throughout the interior include a Touring Coachbuilders emblem embossed on the driver’s side rubber floor mat, beautifully detailed interior door handles and window cranks, and elegant wool broadcloth headliner. Overall, the interior exhibits the same excellence and attention to craftsmanship of the exterior.

The engine compartment has also been comprehensively restored using correct factory finishes, correct hardware and fasteners, and proper wiring, all of which are brought together with mechanical refinement and aesthetic harmony. The textured black castings are uniformly finished with attention to detail and authenticity in every respect. The engine compartment is trimmed with engine turned aluminum, set off by the twin Solex carburetors and short flared polished intake trumpets. 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 Michelin 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 yet not taken to the level of fussiness that would restrain one from enjoyably using the car. The floor is structurally sound, properly finished, and representative of proper restoration performed by expert practitioners with reverence toward authenticity and artistry.

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 not only enjoyable spirited Italian performance, further enhanced by the added horsepower of the twin-carb Sprint option, but also exemplary coachbuilt beauty and elegance. The column shift gearbox is a wonderful invitation to vintage sojourns, turning even casual drives into engaging journeys to the past. Of particular note is the ease and joy of the roomy interior, the engaging twin cam engine sounds, and the stability of highway cruising. Driver and passenger are comfortable and can engage in conversation, while easily accessing any stowed items in the rear bench area. For vintage touring and contemporary driving, the 1900C combines a satisfying balance of charm and performance in a vintage car. Accompanying the car are multiple restoration documents and extensive photos documenting the restoration.

This Alfa Romeo 1900C Sprint represents a rare opportunity to acquire beautifully restored early Touring coachbuilt Alfa Romeo with astonishingly fresh presentation and enjoyable road manners. The combination of elegance and sportiness, coupled with the remarkable interior makes this 1900 both a wonderful event or show car for many major automotive venues throughout the world. For those who admire hand built alloy coachwork, top level restoration, state of the art engineering, and composed motoring, 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