Fantasy Junction

Description

1957 Alfa Romeo 1900 CSS 3-Window Coupe by Touring
s/n 1900C10596, engine no. 130810564
Two-Tone Red and Silver with Cream Interior

Alfa Romeo’s first all new postwar model featured a number of innovative features including a unit chassis and a 1975cc dual overhead cam inline-4 cylinder engine 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 most attractive however was the Touring coupe, using the patented Superleggera (super lightweight) construction. Most were designated for a Super specification chassis, but a handful of cars were fitted with the most desirable Super Sprint (or CSS) specification. This variant features the twin downdraft Solex carburetors and 5-speed manual transmission.

This beautiful alloy bodied 1900 was completed on the 27th of July 1957 and sold new on the 18th of December 1957 to Hoffman Motor Car Company in New York. Painted from the factory in red, this matching-numbers genuine CSS has been confirmed by Alfa Romeo’s Automobilismo Storico Centro Documentazione (Historic Automobile Documentation Center). One of 854 examples built, this extremely late production car (the last one built in 1957) features the highly desirable CSS equipment including Borrani wire wheels, 5-speed floor shift gearbox, and twin carburetors.

Between 2012-2013, the car was treated to a comprehensive and documented restoration, from a host of capable vendors and suppliers including Racing Industry Specialists, Bonsall, CA, Re-Originals, AlfaStop, North County Rebuilders, Escondido, CA, Electro Tech Coatings, and Classic Alfa, to name a few. Restoration services included bodywork, paint, interior, chrome, engine rebuild and dyno testing, transmission, clutch, brakes, and engine ancillaries such as the starter and generator. Additionally, brake hydraulic components, brake shoes, hoses, and belts were also replaced. The restoration process included attention to detail throughout the electrical system, fuel system, and suspension components. Once completed the car was sorted mechanically and refined as needed. Under current ownership, the car has been serviced regularly with recently installed Pirelli tires and inner tubes, wheels trued up by Rite-Way Wheels of Walnut Creek, CA, a rebuilt radiator with high efficiency core by Beko of Concord, CA, oil pressure gauge rebuilt by North Hollywood Speedometer, and a new battery. The current owner also built a set of custom brackets to lower the seat height, improving headroom for taller individuals (original brackets are included with the car). After these improvements, the car completed the 2017 California Mille without incident, performing delightfully. Under current custodianship, Winning Makes in Santa Barbara has provided mechanical support.

Today the car presents in extremely nice condition, both cosmetically and mechanically. The body is straight with very good to excellent panel gaps. The paint was done to high standards and remains in beautiful condition with excellent gloss and luster. There are a few minor blemishes on the car including a slight crease (about ½” in length) on the side of the front fender above the wheel opening, a chip on the rear edge of the hood where it appears to have pressed against the driver’s side wiper arm when opened too far, and a ¼” pucker along the leading edge of the driver’s door. Other than these items, the body and finish present quite nicely overall. The car sits on sparkling Borrani wire wheels and new Pirelli tires, while the remaining exterior chrome and brightwork are excellent both in fit and finish. The side glass, with original etchings is in great condition, as are the lights and lenses. There are a few marks to the windscreen but otherwise very nice.

The interior was properly done during the restoration, using high quality upholstery and carpeting. Opening the door, the polished kick panels and doorjambs welcome you into the driver’s seat. The overall finish and feel of the interior presentation is very satisfying, showing evidence of use in the front passenger carpeting, and in the driver’s seat bottom cushion. The dashboard is excellent throughout, including a gorgeous set of instruments, which have been beautifully restored. The delightful chrome door handles and various other aspects of the interior are handsome touches reminiscent of an era when details like this added a touch of luxury to a performance car. The car is fitted with the desirable floor shift, valuable flat Nardi steering wheel, and vintage Autovox radio.

The engine compartment was correctly restored featuring a highly polished valve cover and refinished intake plenum. The matching numbers engine, factory intake system, ancillaries, and inner fenders retain their excellent restored finishes, using proper fittings and fasteners throughout the engine compartment. The trunk was also restored with a new rubber mat and restored spare Borrani wheel. The underside of the car has been tended to during the restoration and remains in very good condition cosmetically and mechanically, showing some evidence of use.

The car runs and drives well, starting easily and settling into smooth idle as it warms up for enjoyable driving. The clutch is positive and the synchromesh gearbox is a pleasure to use, giving the car a surprisingly modern feel. The chassis and suspension are tight and responsive either cornering or cruising confidently at highway speeds, making it enjoyable, comfortable, and ideally suited to events and touring. The car comes with a handsome, thick, leatherette binder including numerous invoices outlining the thoroughness and cost of the restoration and various documents supporting the history of the car. Also included with the car are the original seat bracket mounts and a correct reproduction tool kit.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a beautifully restored, event-eligible, coachbuilt Alfa Romeo. This genuine CSS, features desirable equipment, stunning colors, and excellent mechanicals, ready for enjoyable driving. The modern mechanical specification (by 1950s standards) makes the exceptionally nice 1900 a great event car, evidenced by seasoned motoring connoisseurs consistently favoring the 1900, particularly for long distance driving events.

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