Fantasy Junction

Description

1956 Alfa Romeo 1900 CSS 3-Window by Touring
s/n AR 1900C 10145
Yellow and black with Black Leather

The 1900 was Alfa Romeo’s first all new postwar model, and incorporated a number of innovative features including unit chassis, and dual overhead cam inline-4 with hemispherical combustion chambers and aluminum alloy cylinder head. While most examples were sedans, a handful of special bodied 1900 C Sprint and Super Sprint (CS and CSS) coupes were built, weighing several hundred pounds less and featuring stylish bodies by coachbuilders such as Bertone, Castagna, Touring, Vignale, and Zagato. The CSS was differentiated by its twin Solex carburetors and floor-shifted 5-speed manual transmission.

This particular car wears desirable 3-Window Supperleggera coachwork by Touring of Milan, and thanks to its early build date, is eligible for prestigious pre-1957 rally events, as well as casual concourse showing. This example has the floor-shifted 5-speed transmission and twin Solex carburetors. The car has also been fitted with attractive and comfortable Zagato-style seats. The car was owned and enjoyed by a fastidious Alfa Romeo enthusiast who used the car in the Tour Auto and the California Mille. There are thousands of dollars of invoices included for work performed by Conrad Stevenson to address all varieties of maintenance, restoration, and service. The gearbox was rebuilt with custom ratios, and many other issues addressed relating to the cooling system, drivetrain, suspension, electrical system, and engine. At every turn, the extensive invoices indicate the level of detail and quality of work performed, always with the goal of doing the job right. As an event car, particular care was taken to ensure that the car operates properly. Highlights include new shock absorbers, master cylinder, setting of the timing, extensive carburetor service, brake service, and countless other items.

The car is stunning in its bright yellow and black color combination. The paintwork was performed to high standards and the car remains in very nice shape, though close inspection reveals a few blemishes in the form of cracking, and light chipping to the front of the car from normal road use. The chrome is very good, with light pitting and scratching only. The wheels are in good shape and wear correct Michelin X tires. The car has Carello headlamps, and all glass and lamps are present and intact, though there are wiper marks on the windscreen.

The interior is in outstanding condition. The seats are very sporting and attractive, and the upholstery is excellent throughout. The car has a rare Nardi flat steering wheel, which was sourced at great expense. The carpets and door panels are in very fine shape, as is the headliner. The dashboard is evocative and has been thoroughly restored. The instruments are free of fading, while the switches and controls are all present and in great shape. The car even has the correct radio blank off plate. A pair of modern Simpson harnesses has been fitted as well.

The engine compartment is tidy and correct throughout, with Solex carburetors and original intake plenum, an item that often manages to go missing. The components are nicely painted as appropriate, and in good shape. The engine compartment is quite clean overall, with just a bit of soiling from event use. The trunk is also very nice, having been included in the restoration. The car comes with spare and jack, as well as extensive records detailing the work performed by Conrad Stevenson in the amount of many thousands of dollars.

This is a great opportunity to acquire a sorted and usable coachbuilt Alfa Romeo with superb event eligibility. The combination of robustness and modern mechanical specification (by 1950’s standards) makes the 1900 a great event car, and this example’s careful and through sorting and preparation make it an ideal companion for touring events. Of course any car that is up to the rigor of such events would be a fine car to enjoy on weekends, and this example would be perfect for that as well.

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