Alfa Romeo 6C

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Alfa Romeo 6C
Paris - RM auctions - 20150204 - Alfa Romeo 6C2500 Sport Berlinetta - 1939 - 009.jpg
1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Touring Berlinetta
Overview
ManufacturerAlfa Romeo
Production1927–1954
AssemblyItaly: Portello, Milan
Body and chassis
ClassLuxury car
Sports car
Racing car
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Powertrain
EngineStraight-six
Chronology
PredecessorAlfa Romeo RM
SuccessorAlfa Romeo 1900

The Alfa Romeo 6C name was used on road, race, and sports cars produced between 1927 and 1954 by Alfa Romeo; the "6C" name refers to six cylinders of the car's straight-six engine. Bodies for these cars were made by coachbuilders such as James Young, Zagato, Touring, Castagna, and Pininfarina. Starting from 1933 there was also a 6C version with a factory Alfa body, built in Portello. In the early 1920s Vittorio Jano received a commission to create a lightweight, high performance vehicle to replace the Giuseppe Merosi designed RL and RM models. The car was introduced in April 1925 at the Salone dell' Automobile di Milano as the 6C 1500. It was based on the P2 racing car, using single overhead cam 1,487 cc in-line six-cylinder motor producing 44 horsepower, in 1928 the 1500 Sport was presented which was the first Alfa Romeo road car with double overhead camshafts.

6C 1500 (1927–1929)[edit]

Alfa Romeo 6C 1500
Alfa Romeo Super Sport 1929.jpg
6C 1500 Super Sport 1929 from Louwman Collection
Overview
Production1927–1929
Powertrain
Engine1.5 L (1,487 cc) I6
1.5 L (1,487 cc) supercharged I6
Transmission4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase
  • 2,900 mm (114.2 in) 4-seater[1]
  • 3,100 mm (122.0 in) 6-str., Normale[1]
  • 2,920 mm (115.0 in) Sport, S.S.[2]

In the mid-1920s, Alfa's RL was considered too large and heavy, so a new development began. The 2-liter formula that had led to Alfa Romeo winning the Automobile World Championship in 1925, changed to 1.5-liter for the 1926 season. The 6C 1500 was introduced in 1925 at the Milan Motor Show, production started 1927,[3] with the P2 Grand Prix car as a starting point. Engine capacity was now 1487 cc, against the P2's 1987 cc, while supercharging was dropped. First versions were bodied by Young and Touring.

In 1928, a 6C Sport was released, with a dual overhead camshafts engine. Its sport version won many races, including the 1928 Mille Miglia. Total production was 3000 (200 with DOHC engines). Ten copies of a supercharged (compressore, compressor) Super Sport variant were also made.[4]

Specifications[edit]

Model Years Crankcase/block/head
construction		 Valvetrain Compr.
ratio		 Fuel system Peak power Top speed
Normale[1] 1927–29 Alum./iron, monobloc SOHC 5.75:1 Single carburettor 44 bhp (33 kW) at 4,200 rpm 110 km/h (68 mph)
Sport[5] 1928–29 Alum./iron/iron DOHC 6.0:1 Single carburettor 54 bhp (40 kW) at 4,500 rpm 125 km/h (78 mph)
Super Sport[6] 1928–29 Alum./iron/iron DOHC 6.75:1 Twin choke carburettor 60 bhp (45 kW) at 4,800 rpm 125 km/h (78 mph)
Super Sport
Compressore[6]		 1928–29 Alum./iron/iron DOHC 5.25:1 Single carburettor, supercharger 76 bhp (57 kW) at 4,800 rpm 140 km/h (87 mph)
Super Sport
testa fissa[7]		 1928–29 Alum./iron, monobloc DOHC 5.25:1 Single carburettor, supercharger 84 bhp (63 kW) at 5,000 rpm 155 km/h (96 mph)

Production[edit]

Alfa Romeo 6C 1500, production by model[8]
Model 4-seater 6-seater Normale Sport Super Sport
Compressore		 Super Sport Total
Series I I II II II II I–II
Prod. years 1927–28 1927–28 1928–29 1928–29 1929 1929 1927–29
Prod. number 56 506 300 171 15 10 1,058

6C 1750 (1929–1933)[edit]

Alfa Romeo 6C 1750
1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Super Gran Sport Testa Fissa p1.JPG
6C 1750 Super Gran Sport Testa Fissa (1931)[9]
Overview
Production1929–1933
Body and chassis
Body style
Powertrain
Engine1.7 L (1,752 cc) I6
1.7 L (1,752 cc) supercharged I6
Transmission4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase
  • 3,100 mm (122.0 in) Turismo[10]
  • 2,920 mm (115.0 in) Sport, G.T.[11]
  • 3,160 mm (124.4 in) G.T. Compr.[12]
  • 2,745 mm (108.1 in) S.S., G.S.[13]

The more powerful 6C 1750 (1752 cc actual) was introduced in 1929 in Rome. The car featured a top speed of 95 mph (153 km/h), a chassis designed to flex and undulate over wavy surfaces, as well as sensitive geared-up steering.[14] It was produced in six series between 1929 and 1933. The base model had a single overhead cam. Super Sport and Gran Sport versions had a double overhead cam engine (DOHC). Again, a supercharger was available. Most of the cars were sold as rolling chassis and bodied by coachbuilders such as Zagato, and Touring. Additionally, there were 3 examples built with James Young bodywork, one of which is a part of the permanent collection at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia, PA, USA in original, unrestored condition.[14]

In 1929, it won every major racing event it was entered in, including the Grands Prix of Belgium, Spain, Tunis and Monza, and the Mille Miglia was won with Giuseppe Campari and Giulio Ramponi. The Brooklands Double Twelve and the Ulster TT were also won, and in 1930 it won again at the Mille Miglia and Spa 24 Hours.[15] Total production was 2635.

Gallery of models[edit]

  • 6C 1750 GTC Touring (1931)

  • 6C 1750 GTC (1932)

  • 6C 1750 GS Zagato

  • Giuseppe Campari on Alfa Romeo 1750 6C Compressore; standing in center (from left) Enzo Ferrari and Achille Varzi

  • Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Garavini

  • 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 by James Young

  • 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS Touring ‘Flying Star’ was built specifically for the 1931 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.

  • 1931 6C 1750 Gran Sport – Walter Freund made body

6C 1750 GS Zagato/Aprile[edit]

Lopresto's 6C 1750 GS Zagato/Aprile at the Rétromobile show in Paris, 2015.

The 1931 6C 1750 with license plate number "3710 SV" and chassis/engine number #10814331, which is currently owned by notorious rare car collector Corrado Lopresto, is a unique exemplar, which's story is told in Lopresto's bilingual 2015 Skira book Best in Show – Capolavori dell'auto italiana dalla collezione Lopresto – Italian Cars Masterpieces from the Lopresto Collection.

The English-language section about this car tells:[excessive quote]

Born with a spider [sic] body by Zagato, this car is a 6C 1750 Gran Sport with compressor, the sportiest version of the Milanese 6-cylinder, and is sold new to Giovanni Battista Aldo Barabini of Genova in 1931.
After several changes of ownership the car goes back to Alfa Romeo, to be resold in 1933 to Dino Carabba, who in 1934 enrolls in the Varese-Campo dei Fiori [rally], coming in fourth in class and eleventh overall.
In those years, the 6C probably runs in minor races, changing hands three times before being sold to the body shop Giuseppe Aprile of Savona, in August 1938. Less than a year after, the car is purchased by Brunello Feltri of Altare, province of Savona, but meanwhile, Aprile has completely rebuilt the body of the car with a new ["more" is written here in the Italian-language section] modern and elegant look.
The design, so well executed, indicates the work of the most famous designer of that time: Mario Revelli di Beaumont, father of this and many other beautiful bodies.
The car so transformed survives the war unscathed and changes ownership again in 1956, in Liguria, where it remains still today, rediscovery yet in order [sic],[16] although with some modifications.
The painstaking restoration work has restored it to its original splendor, as well conceived by Revelli: a unique car that blends the great elegance to the sporty temperament of mechanics.

A plush version of the car, manufactured by Vitale Barberis Canonico, was also given, together with the book, to some of Lopresto's friends.

Specifications[edit]

Model Years Crankcase/block/head
construction		 Valvetrain Compr.
ratio		 Fuel system Peak power Top speed
Turismo[10] 1929–33 Alum./iron/iron SOHC 5.5:1 Single carburettor 46 bhp (34 kW) at 4,000 rpm 110 km/h (68 mph)
Sport[11] 1929 Alum./iron/iron DOHC 5.75:1 Single carburettor 55 bhp (41 kW) at 4,400 rpm 125 km/h (78 mph)
Gran Turismo[11] 1930–32
Gran Turismo
Compressore[12]		 1931–32 Alum./iron/iron DOHC 5.0:1 Single carburettor, supercharger 80 bhp (60 kW) at 4,400 rpm 135 km/h (84 mph)
Super Sport[17] 1929 Alum./iron/iron DOHC 6.25:1 Twin choke carburettor 64 bhp (48 kW) at 4,500 rpm 130 km/h (81 mph)
Super Sport
Compressore[17]		 1929 Alum./iron/iron DOHC 5.0:1 Single carburettor, supercharger 85 bhp (63 kW) at 4,500 rpm 145 km/h (90 mph)
Gran Sport[17] 1930–32
Super Sport
testa fissa[18]		 1929 Alum./iron, monobloc DOHC 5.0:1 Single carburettor, supercharger 85 bhp (63 kW) at 4,800 rpm 165 km/h (103 mph)
Gran Sport
testa fissa[18]		 1930–32 102 bhp (76 kW) at 5,000 rpm 170 km/h (110 mph)
Gran Sport[19] 1933 Alum./iron/alum. DOHC 5.0:1 Single carburettor, supercharger 85 bhp (63 kW) at 4,500 rpm 135 km/h (84 mph)

Production[edit]

Alfa Romeo 6C 1750, production by model[8]
Model Turismo Sport Gran Turismo Gran Turismo
Compressore		 Super Sport Gran Sport Total
Series III, IV III IV, V IV III IV, V, VI III–VI
Prod. years 1929–33 1929 1930–32 1932 1929 1930–33 1929–33
Prod. number 1,131 268 652 159 112 257 2,579

6C 1900 (1933)[edit]

Alfa Romeo 6C 1900
Alfa-Romeo 6C-1900.JPG
6C 1900 Gran Turismo at Auto e Moto d'Epoca 2008
Overview
Production1933
Body and chassis
Body style4-door saloon
2-door cabriolet
Powertrain
Engine1,917 cc DOHC I6
Transmission4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,920 mm (115.0 in)[20][21]
Kerb weight1,250 kg (2,756 lb) saloon[20][21]

The Alfa Romeo 6C 1900 was the last derivative of the original 6C 1500, produced in 197 examples during 1933, as a transitional model before the new 6C 2300 was introduced the following year.[21] Only made in Gran Turismo guise with a 2,920 mm (115.0 in) wheelbase, the 6C 1900 replaced the corresponding 6C 1750 model.[22] Besides the larger displacement, other notable mechanical changes were aluminium cylinder heads, an improved frame and a new transmission. The same upgrades were applied to the 1933 model 6C 1750 Gran Sport, which together with the 6C 1900 forms the sixth series of the 6C. Alfa Romeo offered the 6C 1900 with an in-house 4-door saloon body, while bespoke coachbuilt body styles included 4-seat cabriolets.[23]

The double overhead camshaft, naturally aspirated straight-six engine was bored out from 66 mm (2.6 in) to 68 mm (2.7 in), bringing displacement to 1,917 cc (117.0 cu in).[22] For the first time on a 6C the cylinder head was aluminium;[22] some engines were also manufactured using an aluminium block with pressed-in steel sleeves in place of the usual cast iron block.[21] With 68 bhp (51 kW) at 4,500 rpm the 6C 1900 could achieve a top speed of 130 km/h (81 mph).[21] The improved frame consisted of fully boxed rails and crossmembers, instead of the 1750s C-shaped sections.[21] A new four-speed gearbox was fitted, with synchromesh on the two top gears and a freewheel mechanism.[21]

1933 Alfa Romeo 6C 1900 Gran Turismo Spider Touring.

Specifications[edit]

Model Years Crankcase/block/head
construction		 Valvetrain Compr.
ratio		 Fuel system Peak power Top speed
Gran Turismo[21] 1933 Alum./iron/alum. DOHC 6.25:1 Single carburettor 68 bhp (51 kW) at 4,500 rpm 130 km/h (81 mph)

Production[edit]

Alfa Romeo 6C 1900,
production by model[8]
Model Gran Turismo Total
Series VI VI
Prod. years 1933 1933
Prod. number 197 197

6C 2300 (1934–1937)[edit]

Alfa Romeo 6C 2300
Coys vintage car 501593 fh000035.jpg
6C 2300B Touring
Overview
Production1934–1937
Powertrain
Engine2.3 L 2309 cc I6

The 6C 2300 (2309 cc) was designed by Vittorio Jano as a lower-cost alternative to the 8C. In 1934 Alfa Romeo had become a state-owned enterprise. This year, a new 6C model with a newly designed, larger engine was presented. Chassis technology, however, had been taken from the predecessor. One year later, a revised model, called the 6C 2300 B was presented. In this version the engine was placed in a completely newly designed chassis, with independent front suspension and rear swing axle, as well as hydraulic brakes. The 6C-2300 was produced in 760 copies with rigid axles and 870 copies of the B-model.

Specifications[edit]

Model Engine Max power Fuel system Top speed Years Number produced
6C 2300 Turismo 2,309 cc (140.9 cu in) DOHC I6 68 bhp (51 kW) @ 4400 rpm single carburetor 120 km/h (75 mph) 1934
6C 2300 Gran Turismo 2,309 cc (140.9 cu in) DOHC I6 76 bhp (57 kW) @ 4400 rpm single carburetor 130 km/h (81 mph) 1934
6C 2300B Gran Turismo 2,309 cc (140.9 cu in) DOHC I6 76 bhp (57 kW) @ 4400 rpm single carburetor 130 km/h (81 mph)[24] 1935–1937
6C 2300 Pescara 2,309 cc (140.9 cu in) DOHC I6 95 bhp (71 kW) @ 4500 rpm double carburetor 145 km/h (90 mph)[25] 1934 60[26]
6C 2300B Pescara 2,309 cc (140.9 cu in) DOHC I6 95 bhp (71 kW) @ 4500 rpm double carburetor 145 km/h (90 mph)[27] 1935–1937 120[28]
6C 2300 B Corto/Lungo 2,309 cc (140.9 cu in) DOHC I6 - - - 1935
6C 2300 B Mille Miglia 2,309 cc (140.9 cu in) DOHC I6 - - -

Gallery of models[edit]

  • 6C 2300 Pescara 1934

  • 6C 2300 Touring Spider

  • 6C 2300B Mille Miglia Spider (1938 )

  • 6C 2300B Pescara Berlinetta (1937)

  • 6C 2300B Touring Superleggera Coupe

  • 6C 2300 S Touring Pescara Spider (1935)
    1936 Mille Miglia entrant and ex Benito Mussolini car[29]

  • 6C 2300 B "Pescara" (1937)

  • 6C 2300B Ministeriale (1938 )

Aerodinamica Spider[edit]

Alfa Romeo Aerodinamica Spider
1937 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 "Aerodinamica Spider".jpg
The Aerodinamica Spider at the 2012 Goodwood Revival
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,800 mm (110.2 in)
Length4,750 mm (187.0 in)
Width1,720 mm (67.7 in)
Height1,030 mm (40.6 in)
Kerb weight950 kg (2,094 lb) (dry)

The Alfa Romeo Aerodinamica Spider was an one-off mid-engine streamlined prototype, built by brothers Gino and Oscar Jankovitz in connection with Alfa Romeo between 1935 and 1937 in Fiume (today Rijeka), and should have been powered by an Alfa Romo 12 C engine.[30] The construction of the car took many years,while technical changes had to be made due to the testing period from 1936 to 1937. The Aerospider represents:

  • The first “modern” mid-engined sports car design.[31]
  • The first mid-engined car with central driving position (albeit Lancia deposited a patent for a central driven design in 1934).[31]
  • The first car designed to take account of newly developed principles of aerodynamics, to provide low-drag both externally and internally.[31]
  • The first car which was designed for high speeds, by using a body which fully enveloped the underside of the car to reduce air turbulence beneath it and an aerodynamic front design to reduce front lift of the car[31]

History[edit]

Between 1935 and 1937 the Jankovits carried out the construction; a "running chassis" could be registered in Fiume (number plate 2757 FM) tested, and subsequently modified.

The engine compartment of the Alfa Aerodinamica Spider

The no. 700316 6C 2300 tipo Turismo straight-six engine placed behind the driver was Alfa Romeo: 2,309 cc, iron block, light alloy head, chain-driven dual overhead camshafts, spur gears, wet sump lubrication. The Jankovits fitted exhaust pipes of equal length and improved intake of air to reduce the pressure drop. Later the engine was upgraded with three dual Weber 36 D 04 carburettors, a setup used on the 6C 2500 SS of 1939. The transmission was the 4-speed gearbox from the 6C 2300, mounted with a Hardy disc behind the engine originally fitted, which they removed. A differential unit from a Lancia Lambda was later fitted instead. A unique pre-selector gear change system was also developed. The clutch was hydraulically assisted.

The ladder chassis was made by Alfa Romeo for the central-mounted engine, with straight rails from front to the rear end of the car; it was numbered 700316 as per engine number. The final suspension was all-independent, with "silent bloc" bushes; at the front it consisted of double wishbones, with a thick sheet steel (4 mm) upper wishbone, lever-arm Houdaille hydraulic dampers, longitudinal torsion bars, and lower location through a transverse leaf spring; at the rear it had swing axles and radius arms, with a transverse leaf spring and longitudinal torsion bars.

Steering was worm and sector with Hardy disc. Brakes used a two-circuit hydraulic system (two fluid distributors and two master cylinders, one for the front and one for the rear), Lockheed-type duplex brakes with 17-by-2-inch (432 mm × 51 mm) drums all round. An equaliser was fitted, which could avoid overbraking by changing the distribution of braking force between the front and rear brakes during driving. 5.50–18 racing crossply tyres were mounted on Alfa Romeo 18-inch Rudge-type wire wheels.

The Aerodinamica Spider at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed

The aerodynamic shape of the car was designed by Oscar Jankovits, probably inspired by contemporary aerodynamic theories such as Paul Jaray's,and built at the Jankovits' garage between 1935 and 1937. It was a barchetta with central driving position, with fully integrated wings (ponton styling). The body shell was streamlined to minimise turbulence in the air flow, fully enveloping the underbody and integrating door handles and lights. An horizontal radiator made it possible to design an exceptionally low front profile for a pre-war car. Air inlets were positioned in zones of high air pressure, and hot air outlets from the engine and brakes in areas of low pressure. Top speed was over 140 mph (225 km/h).

During the Second World War the completed prototype remained hidden in the Jankovits' garage in Fiume. After the war the Jankovits, in need of money, had to sell their car to an Anglo-American officer. On Christmas Eve 1946, with a temporary registration document, Gino Jankovits drove the Aerospider through the closed border into Italy causing a border shootout . Then the Alfa disappeared for about 30 years until it was rediscovered in England. In 1978 well-known Alfa Romeo historian Luigi Fusi put the then-owner of the car in contact with the Jankovits, and tried to buy the car for the Alfa museum. The acquisition failed, but the prototype had been painted blue, and then green as the original colour. The car still has its original licence plate and documents of registration.

6C 2500 (1938–1952)[edit]

Alfa Romeo 6C 2500
Alfa Villa d Este.JPG
6C 2500 Villa d'Este
Overview
Production1938–1952
Powertrain
Engine2.5 L 2443 cc I6
Transmission4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase3,250 mm (128.0 in) (Turismo)
3,000 mm (118.1 in) (Sport)
2,700 mm (106.3 in) (Super Sport)
Chronology
SuccessorAlfa Romeo 1900

Introduced in 1938, the 2500 (2443 cc) was the last 6C road car. World War II was coming and car development was stopped, but a few hundred 6C 2500s were built from 1940 to 1945. Postwar, the first new Alfa model was the 1946 6C 2500 Freccia d'Oro (Golden Arrow), of which 680 were built through 1951, with bodies by Alfa. The 2500 had an enlarged engine compared to the predecessor model; this Vittorio Jano designed double overhead cam engine was available with either one or three Weber carburetors. The triple carburetor version was used in the top of the line SS (Super Sport) version. The 2443 cc engine was mounted to a steel ladder frame chassis, which was offered with three wheelbases: 3,250 mm (128.0 in) on the Turismo, 3,000 mm (118.1 in) on the Sport and 2,700 mm (106.3 in) on the Super Sport. Various coachbuilders made their own versions of the 2500, but most of the bodyworks was made by Touring of Milan.[32]

The Tipo 256 was a racing version of 2500 made in eight copies between 1939 and 1940 for the Mille Miglia and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.[32] It was made in Spider (convertible) and Berlinetta (coupe) Touring bodystyles. With a power of 125 bhp (93 kW) it could achieve a top speed of 200 kilometres per hour (120 mph).[33]

It was sold to wealthy customers like King Farouk, Alì Khan, Rita Hayworth, Tyrone Power, and Prince Rainier. One was also featured in The Godfather in 1972.[34][35]

The 2500 was one of the most expensive cars available in its time.[32] The last 6C was produced in 1952, and the model was replaced by the 1900.

All the 6C 2500 exemples are catalogued, together with chassis specifications, known fates, technical and race data and first owners, in the Editoriale Domus book Alfa Romeo 6C 2500.

Specifications[edit]

Model Engine Max power Fuel system Top speed Years Number produced
6C 2500 Coloniale 2,443 cc (149.1 cu in) DOHC I6 90 bhp (67 kW) @ 4500 rpm single carburetor 127 km/h (79 mph)[36] 1939–1942 152
6C 2500 2,443 cc (149.1 cu in) DOHC I6 90 bhp (67 kW) @ 4600 rpm single carburetor - 1938–1949
6C 2500 Turismo 2,443 cc (149.1 cu in) DOHC I6 87 hp (65 kW) single carburetor - 1935–1937
6C 2500 Sport 2,443 cc (149.1 cu in) DOHC I6 95 bhp (71 kW) @ 4600 rpm (1939–1946)
90 bhp (67 kW) (1947–1952)		 single carburetor 155 km/h (96 mph)[37] 1939–1952 13
6C 2500 Super Sport 2,443 cc (149.1 cu in) DOHC I6 110 bhp (82 kW) @ 4800 rpm double carburetor 170 km/h (106 mph) (1939–1946)
165 km/h (103 mph) (1947–1951)[38]		 1939–1951 413 Coupés
6C 2500 Super Sport Spider Corsa 2,443 cc (149.1 cu in) DOHC I6 120 bhp (89 kW) @ 4750 rpm[39] triple carburetor - 1939–1940 8
6C 2500 Sport Pininfarina 2,443 cc (149.1 cu in) DOHC I6 95 bhp (71 kW) @ 4600 rpm single carburetor 155 km/h (96 mph)[40] 1941–1943 8
6C 2500 Freccia d'Oro 2,443 cc (149.1 cu in) DOHC I6 90 bhp (67 kW) @ 4600 rpm single carburetor 155 km/h (96 mph)[41] 1946–1951 680
6C 2500 Villa d'Este 2,443 cc (149.1 cu in) DOHC I6 110 bhp (82 kW) @ 4800 rpm triple carburetor - 1949–1952 36
6C 2500 Gran Turismo 2,443 cc (149.1 cu in) DOHC I6 110 bhp (82 kW) @ 4800 rpm triple carburetor 170 km/h (106 mph)[42] 1950–1953
6C 2500 Competizione 2,443 cc (149.1 cu in) DOHC I6 145 bhp (108 kW) @ 5500 rpm triple carburetor 200 km/h (124 mph)[43] 1948 3

6C 2500 Freccia d'Oro[edit]

Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Sport "Freccia d'Oro", built 1949.

The 6C 2500 Freccia d'Oro (Golden Arrow) was the first postwar Alfa Romeo. 680 were built until 1951, with bodies by Alfa. The car was a Berlina bodystyle with 5–6 seats based on the 2500 Sport. It has a wheelbase of 3,000 millimetres (120 in) and it weighs 1,550 kilograms (3,420 lb).[44] With a 4-speed manual gearbox this 90 bhp (67 kW) car could achieve a top speed of 155 kilometres per hour (96 mph).

6C 2500 Villa d'Este[edit]

A 1949 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Villa d'Este (Touring) at the 2014 Lime Rock Concours d'Élegance.

The 6C 2500 Villa d'Este was introduced in 1949, it is a Berlinetta Coupé with Superleggera coachwork by Touring, of Milan. The Villa d'Este used 6C 2500 Super Sport chassis with 110 bhb six-cylinder, 2,443-cubic centimetre powerplant. Alfa Romeo chose the name Villa d’Este after this design won the Concorso d’Eleganza,[45] which was held at the historic resort on Lake Como in northern Italy. Villa d'Este was Alfa's last hand built model, only 36 examples made (including 5 cabriolets). The 6C 2500’s production ended in 1952 (a couple of racing examples were produced in 1953).

6C 2500 Coloniale[edit]

Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Coloniale

The 6C 2500 Coloniale was a staff car version of the third series 6c 2500.[46] It had been commissioned in 1938 by the Italian Ministry of Defense, for military use in the Italian colonies.[47] Two prototypes 6C 2500 Coloniale were manufactured in 1939. One of them was shipped to Italian East Africa, where Giambattista Guidotti[a] had been instructed to conduct testing in the harsh operational conditions. The car was the first to be manufactured using technology developed by the renowned Carrozzeria Touring, the Superleggera. The car had two spare wheels, a fuel tank of 120 litres and four additional reserves with a capacity of 70 litres of gasoline. In addition there was a locking differential, engaged from the dashboard by the driver. Regular production started in 1941, and the first batch of 150 vehicles was delivered between 1941 and 1942; afterwards production stopped due to the war events[47] Total production amounted to 150 series cars plus two prototypes.

6C 2500 Sport Pininfarina[edit]

The 2500 Pininfarina was manufactured during the Second World War until 1943, when "Alfa Romeo" manufacture was adjusted to build technology for the needs of the army. The vehicles of the 1943 make only had their chassis and the transmission parts assembled on the production line, however, the body and interior design were done by the Italian design studio Pininfarina.

Gallery of models[edit]

  • 6C 2500 Cabriolet by Gebrüder Tüscher of Zurich Chassis: 913014 (1939)

  • 6C 2500 Super Sport Corsa, rebodied to Mille Miglia Spider configuration by Conrad Stevenson.[48]

  • 6C 2500 Berlinetta Sport Castagna (1939)

  • 6C 2500 SS Pinin Farina Cabriolet

  • 6C 2500 SS Coupé Pininfarina

  • 6C 2500 Sport Touring Berlinetta (1939)

  • 6C 2500 Super Sport Coupé by Touring (1948)

  • 6C 2500 Competizione (bodied in-house) (1948)

  • 6C 2500 SS Villa d'Este Carrozzeria Touring Berlinetta (1949)

  • (1949) 6C 2500 SS Villa d'Este Touring at the Mille Miglia 2014.

  • 6C 2500 Cabriolet Pinin Farina Speziale (1942/1946)

6C 3000 (1948–1954)[edit]

In 1948 a first Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 prototype was built.[49] It was a 5–6 passenger 4-door saloon car of the same class as the 6C 2500, but which could be built using more modern and economical manufacturing processes.[49]

Like its predecessor, the three-litre engine had a cast iron block, an aluminium head with hemispherical combustion chambers, two valves per cylinder, angled 90° and timed by directly acting, chain driven dual overhead camshafts. Fed by a twin-choke carburettor, it developed 120 PS (88 kW), sent to the rear wheels through a 4-speed all-synchromesh gearbox with a column-mounted shifter as on the 6C 2500. The car used unit body construction, had a wheelbase of 3.05 m (120 in) and a dry weight of 1,400 kg.[49] The all-independent suspension was of the double wishbone type with coil springs upfront, and trailing arm type with transverse torsion bars at the rear.[49]

After three prototypes had been made between 1948 and 1949, the project was abandoned when market analysis and product planning suggested the development of a smaller four-cylinder car—the Alfa Romeo 1900.[49] Despite this, the 3-litre engine was developed for competition use and gave birth to a number sports racing cars during the first half of the 1950s: the 6C 3000 C50, 6C 3000 CM and 6C 3000 PR.

Specifications[edit]

Model Engine Displacement
Bore x stroke		 Compr.
ratio		 Carburettor(s) Peak power Top speed
6C 3000[49] I6 DOHC 2,955 cc
82.55 x 92 mm		 7.5:1 1x downdraught
twin-choke		 120 PS (88 kW) at 4,800 rpm 166 km/h (103 mph)
6C 3000 C50[50] 8.6:1 3x sidedraught
twin-choke		 168 PS (124 kW) at 6,000 rpm 226 km/h (140 mph)
6C 3000 CM[51] 3,495 cc
87 x 98 mm		 8.2:1 6x sidedraught
single-choke		 246 PS (181 kW) or 275 PS (202 kW) at 6,500 rpm 250 km/h (155 mph)
6C 3000 PR[52] 2,943 cc
87 x 83 mm		 – 6x sidedraught
single-choke		 260 PS (191 kW) at 7,000 rpm 260 km/h (162 mph)

6C 3000 C50[edit]

In 1950 a 6C 3000 engine from the prototypes was tuned for racing and installed in a 6C 2500 Competizione, which became the 6C 3000 C50.[50] Being based on a 6C 2500 chassis, the car had a ladder frame with a 2.50 m (98 in) wheelbase, and a dry weight of 870 kg (1,918 lb).[50] Three twin-choke carburettors and a raised compression ratio brought the output of the three-litre straight six to 168 PS (124 kW).[50] This one-off racing car was entered at the 1950 Mille Miglia with number 740, driven by Sanesi and Bianchi; the car did not finish the race, as the two had to withdraw near Ferrara.[50]

6C 3000 CM[edit]

Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 CM
Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 PR
1953 Alfa Romeo 3000CM.jpg
The 6C 3000 CM spider of Museo Storico Alfa Romeo at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2009
ConstructorAlfa Romeo
Technical specifications[53]
ChassisTube spaceframe with backbone
Suspension (front)Double wishbones, coil springs, hydraulic dampers, anti-roll bar
Suspension (rear)De Dion tube, torque arms, coil springs, hydraulic dampers
Wheelbase2.25 m (88.6 in) (CM)
2.20 m (86.6 in) (PR)
Engine3,495 cc (213.3 cu in) (CM)
2,943 cc (179.6 cu in) (PR)
Transmission5-speed, limited slip differential
Weight960 kg (2,116.4 lb) (CM coupé)
930 kg (2,050.3 lb) (CM spider)
920 kg (2,028.3 lb) (PR)
BrakesHydraulic, drums, rears inboard
Competition history

In 1952 engine parts of the 6C 3000 were used again on the 6C 3000 CM—for Competizione Maggiorata or Competition Enlarged Displacement.

The powerplant comes from a project by Giuseppe Busso. It differed from its predecessor by still using several components of the 3-litre engine from the 6C 3000 prototype, but engine capacity was increased to 3,495 cc (213.3 cu in).

The chassis was a tube frame based around a centre backbone; suspension was by double wishbones and De Dion tube at the rear.[51] Six examples were built: four coupés and two spiders, bodied by Carrozzeria Colli.[51][54][55]

Competition history[edit]

A coupé was driven by Juan Manuel Fangio and Giulio Sala to a second overall finish at the 1953 Mille Miglia.[51][56] For the Mille Miglia the engine had been tuned to put out 275 PS (202 kW).[51] Fangio was leading the race, but a problem with the steering forced him to slow down. Again with Fangio at the wheel, a spider won the 1st Gran Premio Supercortemaggiore held in Merano in 1953.[51]

Fate[edit]

1960 Alfa Romeo Superflow IV

With the end of its racing career, the 1953 Supercortemaggiore winner 6C 3000 CM spider was used by the Experimemtal Department of Alfa Romeo for testing new components. Amongst them were disc brakes, installed in 1955, which are still present today on this vehicle,[51] part of the Museo Storico Alfa Romeo collection.

The ex-1953 Mille Miglia coupé was given to Pininfarina, and rebodied four times into four different show cars:[57]

6C 3000 PR[edit]

One of the two 6C 3000 CM spiders was modified to cope with the new rules of the International Sport Category, enacted in the 1954 season, which limited engine capacity to 3 litres.[52] The 3000 CM's 3.5-litre straight-six was de-stroked to 2,943 cc.[52] This car was renamed 6C 3000 PR, for Passo Ridotto or Reduced Wheelbase, as the wheelbase was shortened by 50 cm (19.7 in).[52][56] The 6C 3000 PR was entered at the 2nd Gran Premio Supercortemaggiore held at Monza in 1954, driven by Sanesi; the vehicle was written off in a crash, in which Sanesi was also injured.[52]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ He had already led an Alfa Romeo 8C 2300B Mille Miglia in 1937

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Fusi (1978), p. 115.
  2. ^ Fusi (1978), p. 127, 131.
  3. ^ Fusi 1978, p. 113.
  4. ^ www.autoevolution Alfa Romeo introduced the 6C 1500 model in 1926, with full production beginning a year later. – Retrieved 2 January 2015
  5. ^ Fusi (1978), p. 127.
  6. ^ a b Fusi (1978), p. 131.
  7. ^ Fusi (1978), p. 137.
  8. ^ a b c Fusi (1978), p. 851.
  9. ^ "Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport Testa Fissa". louwmanmuseum.nl. Archived from the original on 22 February 2013. Retrieved 16 January 2012.
  10. ^ a b Fusi (1978), p. 141.
  11. ^ a b c Fusi (1978), p. 147.
  12. ^ a b Fusi (1978), p. 169.
  13. ^ Fusi (1978), p. 151, 235.
  14. ^ a b Simeone, Frederick. "1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 SS". Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum. Retrieved 10 March 2015.
  15. ^ "Classic Alfa Romeo 6C review". telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
  16. ^ This text section, very much based to the Italian-language version, was intended to mean "rediscovered still ["in ordine", literally meaning "in order", but intended as "undamaged"]".
  17. ^ a b c Fusi (1978), p. 151.
  18. ^ a b Fusi (1978), p. 163.
  19. ^ Fusi (1978), p. 235.
  20. ^ a b "1933 Alfa Romeo 6C 1900 Gran Turismo". carfolio.com. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
  21. ^ a b c d e f g h Fusi (1978), p. 229.
  22. ^ a b c Fusi (1978), p. 227–229.
  23. ^ Fusi (1978), p. 227–228.
  24. ^ "6C 2003 B Gran Turismo". 6c2500.org. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
  25. ^ "6C 2300 Pescara". 6c2500.org. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
  26. ^ Fusi 1978, p. 251.
  27. ^ "6C 2003 B Pescara". 6c2500.org. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
  28. ^ Fusi 1978, p. 277.
  29. ^ "1935 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 Sport Spyder". kidston.com. Retrieved 21 January 2012.
  30. ^ Marchianò, Michele (October 2005). "Alfa Romeo-Jankovits "6 C 2300" 1938 – L'impresa di Fiume". Ruoteclassiche. 202 (Ottobre 2015): 56–61. Retrieved 4 September 2015.
  31. ^ a b c d Klassiekerweb: Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 Aerospider - Klassiekerweb, accessdate: 26. October 2018
  32. ^ a b c "Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Bertone Coupe". ultimatecarpage.com. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
  33. ^ "256". 6c2500.org. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
  34. ^ "1946 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 'Freccia d'Oro'". imcdb.org. Retrieved 6 December 2014.
  35. ^ "100 years of automobile revue". italiaspeed.com. Retrieved 7 June 2007.
  36. ^ "Coloniale". 6c2500.org. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
  37. ^ "Sport". 6c2500.org. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
  38. ^ "Super Sport". 6c2500.org. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
  39. ^ "1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Corsa". supercars.net/cars/. Retrieved 30 August 2008.
  40. ^ "Model Story". 6c2500.org. Retrieved 9 October 2013.
  41. ^ "Sport "Freccia d'oro"". 6c2500.org. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
  42. ^ "Gran Turismo". 6c2500.org. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
  43. ^ "Competizione". 6c2500.org. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
  44. ^ "Specifications: Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Sport Freccia D'oro". uniquecarsandparts.com.au. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
  45. ^ "1949 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Villa d'Este". supercars.net. Retrieved 7 June 2007.
  46. ^ "Alfa Romeo "6C 2500 Coloniale"". esercito.difesa.it (in Italian). Retrieved 16 January 2012.
  47. ^ a b Fusi 1978, pp. 397–400.
  48. ^ SuperCars.net: 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Spider Corsa|Alfa Romeo|SuperCars.net, accessdate: 28. October 2018
  49. ^ a b c d e f Fusi 1978, pp. 435–436.
  50. ^ a b c d e Fusi 1978, pp. 437–438.
  51. ^ a b c d e f g Fusi 1978, pp. 487–494.
  52. ^ a b c d e Fusi 1978, pp. 495–496.
  53. ^ Fusi 1978.
  54. ^ "Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 CM Colli Coupe". ultimatecarpage.com. Retrieved 25 June 2009.
  55. ^ "Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 CM Colli Spider". ultimatecarpage.com/car. Retrieved 25 June 2009.
  56. ^ a b "Alfa Romeo Museum cars take centre stage at Goodwood". italiaspeed.com. 2009. Retrieved 8 July 2009.
  57. ^ "Pininfarina Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 CM Super Flow". coachbuild.com. Retrieved 28 May 2010.

Bibliography[edit]

  • Borgeson, Griffith (1990). The Alfa Romeo Tradition. City: Haynes (Foulis) Publishing Group Ltd. Somerset, UK. ISBN 0-85429-875-4.
  • Fusi, Luigi (1978). Alfa Romeo—Tutte le vetture dal 1910—All cars from 1910 (3rd ed.). Milan: Emmeti Grafica editrice.

External links[edit]

Alfa Romeo car timeline, 1910s–1940s — next »
Type 1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
4-cyl. 12 HP/15 HP 15-20 HP WWI [α] WWII
24 HP RM
20-30 HP [α] 20-30 ES
40-60 HP
6-cyl. G1
RL
6C 1500/1750/1900 6C 2300 6C 2500
8-cyl. 8C 2300 8C 2900
Grand Prix car GP P1 P2 Tipo A Tipo B (P3) 8C 35 158 158
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motore 		12C 312 512
316 162
Ownership Ugo Stella & investors Nicola Romeo IRI
[α] 105 A.L.F.A 15-20 HP and 20-30 HP started in 1915 were completed in 1920, after the war, as Alfa Romeo models.
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Small family car Dauphine Alfasud
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Giulia Giulietta (116)
Executive car 1750 Berlina Alfetta
2000 Berlina Alfetta 2000
1900 2000 2600 Alfa 6
Coupé Giulietta Sprint GT Junior Alfasud Sprint
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Sports car 6C 2500 Montreal
33 Stradale
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179
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