Alfa Romeo 6C

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 the six cylinders of the car's straight-six engine. Bodies for these cars were made by coachbuilders such as James Young, Zagato, Touring Superleggera, Castagna, and Pinin Farina. Beginning in 1933 there was also a 6C version with an Alfa factory 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 Alfa's P2 Grand Prix car, using a single overhead cam 1,487 cc in-line six-cylinder engine, producing 44 horsepower. In 1928 the 1500 Sport was presented, which was the first Alfa Romeo road car with double overhead camshafts.

Alfa Romeo 6C
1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Touring Superleggera Berlinetta
Overview
Manufacturer	Alfa Romeo
Production	1927–1954
Assembly	Italy: Portello Plant, Milan
Body and chassis
Class	Luxury car Sports car Racing car
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine	Straight-six
Chronology
Predecessor	Alfa Romeo RM
Successor	Alfa Romeo 1900

6C 1500 (1927–1929)

Alfa Romeo 6C 1500
1929 6C 1500 Super Sport, 1929, in the Louwman Collection
Overview
Production	1927–1929
Powertrain
Engine	1.5 L (1,487 cc) I6 1.5 L (1,487 cc) supercharged I6
Transmission	4-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-litre formula that had led to Alfa Romeo winning the Automobile World Championship in 1925, changed to 1.5-litres for the 1926 season. The 6C 1500 was introduced in 1925 at the Milan Motor Show. Series production started in 1927,^[3] with the P2 Grand Prix car as a starting point. Engine capacity was now 1,487 cc, as against the P2's 1,987 cc, while supercharging was dropped. First versions were bodied by James Young and Carrozzeria Touring.

In 1928, the 6C Sport model was released, with a dual overhead-camshaft engine. Its sport version won many races, including the 1928 Mille Miglia. Total production was 3,000 (200 with DOHC engines). Ten examples of a supercharged (compressore, compressor) Super Sport variant were also built.^[4]

•  

  6C 1500 James Young Drophead Coupe, 1928

•  

  6C 1500 Sport Zagato Spyder, 1928

•  

  Alfa Romeo 6C 1500 Sport, Boris Ivanowski and Attilio Marinoni, winners of the 1928 24 Hours of Spa.

Specifications

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

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)

Alfa Romeo 6C 1750
1931 6C 1750 Super Gran Sport Testa Fissa^[9]
Overview
Production	1929–1933
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door saloon 4-door torpedo 2-door cabriolet 2-door spider
Powertrain
Engine	1.7 L (1,752 cc) I6 1.7 L (1,752 cc) supercharged I6
Transmission	4-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 (1,752 cc actual) was introduced in 1929 in Rome. The car had a top speed of 95 mph (153 km/h), a chassis designed to flex and undulate over uneven 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 Superleggera. 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 and unrestored condition.^[14]

In 1929, the 6C won every major racing event in which it was entered, including the Grands Prix of Belgium, Spain, Tunis and Monza, and the Mille Miglia was won by Giuseppe Campari and Giulio Ramponi. The car also won the Brooklands Double Twelve and the Ulster TT. In 1930 the car again won the Mille Miglia and Spa 24 Hours.^[15] Total production was 2,635.

Gallery of models

•  

  6C 1750 Gran Turismo Compressore Touring Superleggera, 1931

•  

  6C 1750 Gran Turismo Compressore, 1932

•  

  6C 1750 Gran Sport Zagato

•  

  Giuseppe Campari on Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Compressore; standing in centre (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 Superleggera ‘Flying Star’ - built specifically for the 1931 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.

•  

  1931 6C 1750 Gran Sport with bodywork by Walter Freund.

6C 1750 GS Zagato/Aprile

 

Lopresto's 6C 1750 GS Zagato-Aprile at Rétromobile, 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 example, whose 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 spyder body by Zagato, this car is a 6C 1750 Gran Sport with Compressor, the sportiest version of the Milanese 6-cylinder, and was 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

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

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)

Alfa Romeo 6C 1900
6C 1900 Gran Turismo at Auto e Moto d'Epoca 2008
Overview
Production	1933
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door saloon 2-door cabriolet
Powertrain
Engine	1,917 cc DOHC I6
Transmission	4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,920 mm (115.0 in)^[20]^[21]
Kerb weight	1,250 kg (2,756 lb) saloon^[20]^[21]

The Alfa Romeo 6C 1900 was the final 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 built 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 chassis frame and a new transmission. The same upgrades were applied to the 1933 model 6C 1750 Gran Sport which, together with the 6C 1900, form 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-seater 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 chassis frame consisted of fully boxed rails and crossmembers, instead of the 1750's C-shaped sections.^[21] A new four-speed gearbox was fitted, with synchromesh on the two top gears and a freewheel mechanism.^[21]

 

1933 6C 1900 Gran Turismo Touring Superleggera Spyder.

Specifications

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

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 (1934–1938)

Alfa Romeo 6C 2300
1938 6C 2300 B Touring Superleggera Spyder
Overview
Production	1934–1938
Powertrain
Engine	2.3 L 2,309 cc I6

The 6C 2300 (2,309 cc) was designed by Vittorio Jano as a lower-cost alternative to the 8C. In 1934 Alfa Romeo had become a state-owned enterprise. That year, a new 6C model with a newly designed and larger engine was presented. Chassis technology, however, had been taken from the predecessor. One year later a revised model, the 6C 2300 B, was presented. In this version the engine was placed in a completely redesigned chassis, with independent front suspension and rear swing axle, as well as hydraulic brakes. 760 examples of the rigid-axle 6C 2300 were produced and 870 examples of the B-model.

Specifications

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) @ 4,400 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) @ 4,400 rpm	single carburetor	130 km/h (81 mph)	1934
6C 2300 B Gran Turismo	2,309 cc (140.9 cu in) DOHC I6	76 bhp (57 kW) @ 4,400 rpm	single carburetor	130 km/h (81 mph)^[24]	1935–1938
6C 2300 Pescara	2,309 cc (140.9 cu in) DOHC I6	95 bhp (71 kW) @ 4,500 rpm	double carburetor	145 km/h (90 mph)^[25]	1934	60^[26]
6C 2300 B Pescara	2,309 cc (140.9 cu in) DOHC I6	95 bhp (71 kW) @ 4,500 rpm	double carburetor	145 km/h (90 mph)^[27]	1935–1938	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

•  

  1934 6C 2300 Pescara

•  

  6C 2300 Touring Superleggera Spyder

•  

  1938 6C 2300 B Mille Miglia Spyder

•  

  1937 6C 2300 B Pescara Pinin Farina Berlinetta

•  

  1938 6C 2300 B Touring Superleggera Berlinetta

•  

  1935 6C 2300 Sport Touring Superleggera Pescara Spyder. Mille Miglia 1936 entrant and ex Benito Mussolini car^[29]

•  

  1937 6C 2300 B Pescara

•  

  1938 6C 2300 B Ministeriale

Aerodinamica Spyder

Alfa Romeo Aerodinamica Spyder
The Aerodinamica Spyder at the 2012 Goodwood Revival
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,800 mm (110.2 in)
Length	4,750 mm (187.0 in)
Width	1,720 mm (67.7 in)
Height	1,030 mm (40.6 in)
Kerb weight	950 kg (2,094 lb) (dry)

The Alfa Romeo Aerodinamica Spyder was a 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 Romeo 12-cylinder 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 Aerospyder 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 centrally 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

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

 

The engine compartment of the Alfa Aerodinamica Spyder

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 configuration 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 in accordance with the 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 shock absorber 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 Spyder 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 and fully integrated wings (pontoon styling). The bodyshell was streamlined to minimise turbulence in the air flow, fully enveloping the underbody and integrating door handles and lights. A horizontally mounted 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 in excess of 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 Aerospyder 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 this was the original colour. The car still has its original licence plate and registration documents.

6C 2500 (1938–1952)

Alfa Romeo 6C 2500
6C 2500 Villa d'Este
Overview
Production	1938–1952
Powertrain
Engine	2.5 L 2,443 cc I6
Transmission	4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	3,250 mm (128.0 in) (Turismo) 3,000 mm (118.1 in) (Sport) 2,700 mm (106.3 in) (Super Sport)
Chronology
Successor	Alfa Romeo 1900

 

Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Super Sport Spyder Corsa

Introduced in 1938, the 2500 (2,443 cc) was the final 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 until late 1951, with bodies by Alfa. The 2500 had an enlarged engine compared to the predecessor model; this Vittorio Jano designed dual overhead cam engine was available with either one or three Weber carburetors. The triple carburetor version was used in the top-of-the-range SS (Super Sport) version. The 2,443 cc engine was mounted onto 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 built their own bodied versions of the 2500, but most bodywork was built by Touring Superleggera of Milan.^[32]

The Tipo 256 was a racing version of 2500 made in eight examples between 1939 and 1940 for the Mille Miglia and the Le Mans 24 Hours.^[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]

The car 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 final 6C was built in 1952 and the model was replaced by the 1900.

All 6C 2500 vehicles are catalogued, together with chassis specifications, known fate, technical and race data and first owners, in the Editoriale Domus book Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 (written by Angelo Tito Anselmi).

Specifications

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) @ 4,500 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) @ 4,600 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) @ 4,600 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) @ 4,800 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 Spyder Corsa	2,443 cc (149.1 cu in) DOHC I6	120 bhp (89 kW) @ 4,750 rpm^[39]	triple carburetor	-	1939–1940	8
6C 2500 Sport Pinin Farina	2,443 cc (149.1 cu in) DOHC I6	95 bhp (71 kW) @ 4,600 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) @ 4,600 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) @ 4,800 rpm	triple carburetor	-	1949–1952	36
6C 2500 Gran Turismo	2,443 cc (149.1 cu in) DOHC I6	110 bhp (82 kW) @ 4,800 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) @ 5,500 rpm	triple carburetor	200 km/h (124 mph)^[43]	1948	3

6C 2500 Freccia d'Oro

 

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

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

 

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

The 6C 2500 Villa d'Este was introduced in 1949 as a Berlinetta with coachwork by Touring Superleggera of Milan. The Villa d'Este used the 6C 2500 Super Sport chassis with a 110 bhp six-cylinder, 2,443 cc engine. 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. The 'Villa d'Este' was Alfa's last handbuilt model, with only 36 examples being built (including 5 cabriolets). 6C 2500 production ended in 1952 (although a couple of racing examples were produced in 1953).

6C 2500 Coloniale

 

Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Coloniale

The 6C 2500 Coloniale was a staff car version of the third series 6C 2500.^[46] It was commissioned in 1938 by the Italian Ministry of Defence, for military use in the Italian colonies.^[47] Two prototypes of the 6C 2500 Coloniale were manufactured in 1939. One was shipped to Italian East Africa, where Giambattista Guidotti, winner of the 1937 Mille Miglia driving an Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 B, was 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 reserve tanks with a capacity of 70 litres of gasoline. In addition there was a locking differential, engaged from the dashboard by the driver. Regular production began in 1941 and the first batch of 150 vehicles was delivered between 1941 and 1942; production was then halted due to war events^[47] Total production amounted to 150 series cars plus two prototypes.

6C 2500 Sport Pinin Farina

The 6C 2500 Pinin Farina was manufactured during the Second World War until 1943, when Alfa Romeo manufacture was switched to the technical needs of the army. The vehicles of the 1943 build series had only their chassis and the transmission assembled on the factory production line; the bodywork and interior build being undertaken by the Italian design studio Pinin Farina.

Gallery of 6C 2500 models

•  

  1939 6C 2500 Cabriolet by Gebrüder Tüscher of Zurich. Chassis no: 913014

•  

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

•  

  1939 6C 2500 Sport Castagna Berlinetta

•  

  6C 2500 Super Sport Pinin Farina Cabriolet

•  

  6C 2500 Super Sport Pinin Farina Berlinetta

•  

  1939 6C 2500 Sport Touring Superleggera Berlinetta

•  

  1948 6C 2500 Super Sport Touring Superleggera Berlinetta

•  

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

•  

  1949 6C 2500 Super Sport 'Villa d'Este' Touring Superleggera Berlinetta

•  

  1949 6C 2500 Super Sport 'Villa d'Este' Touring Superleggera Berlinetta at the 2014 Mille Miglia.

•  

  1942–1946 6C 2500 Pinin Farina Cabriolet Speziale

•  

  1947 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Stabilimenti Farina Cabriolet

•  

  Rear view of the Freccia d'Oro at the Alfa Romeo museum

•  

  Rear view of the Super Sport Villa d'Este at the Alfa Romeo museum

6C 3000 (1948–1954)

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

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

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

Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 CM
Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 PR

The 6C 3000 CM spider of Museo Storico Alfa Romeo at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2009
Constructor	Alfa Romeo
Technical specifications^[53]
Chassis	Tube 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
Wheelbase	2.25 m (88.6 in) (CM) 2.20 m (86.6 in) (PR)
Engine	3,495 cc (213.3 cu in) (CM) 2,943 cc (179.6 cu in) (PR)
Transmission	5-speed, limited slip differential
Weight	960 kg (2,116.4 lb) (CM coupé) 930 kg (2,050.3 lb) (CM spider) 920 kg (2,028.3 lb) (PR)
Brakes	Hydraulic, 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

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

 

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 Pinin Farina, and rebodied four times into four different show cars to Aldo Brovarone's design:^[57]

• 1956: Alfa Romeo Superflow. Shown at the 1956 Turin Motor Show, coupé body with plexiglas front wings and tail fins.
• 1956: Alfa Romeo Superflow II. Shown at the 1956 Paris Motor Show, coupé body with steel wings and tail fins.
• 1959: Alfa Romeo Spider Super Sport. Shown at the 1959 Geneva Motor Show, roadster body without tail fins.
• 1960: Alfa Romeo Superflow IV. Shown at the 1960 Geneva Motor Show, coupé body without tail fins. The car survives today in this last configuration.

6C 3000 PR

 

The 3000 PR at Chateau Impney on 12 July 2015.

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] It was resurrected from a museum in Brazil in the mid-1980s.^[58]

References

1. 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 series production beginning a year later. – Retrieved 2 January 2015
5. Fusi (1978), p. 127.
6. Fusi (1978), p. 131.
7. Fusi (1978), p. 137.
8. 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. Fusi (1978), p. 141.
11. Fusi (1978), p. 147.
12. Fusi (1978), p. 169.
13. Fusi (1978), p. 151, 235.
14. 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. Fusi (1978), p. 151.
18. Fusi (1978), p. 163.
19. Fusi (1978), p. 235.
20. "1933 Alfa Romeo 6C 1900 Gran Turismo". carfolio.com. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
21. Fusi (1978), p. 229.
22. Fusi (1978), p. 227–229.
23. Fusi (1978), p. 227–228.
24. . 6c2500.org. Archived from the original on 2 November 2013. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
25. . 6c2500.org. Archived from the original on 2 November 2013. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
26. Fusi 1978, p. 251.
27. . 6c2500.org. Archived from the original on 2 November 2013. 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). . Ruoteclassiche. 202 (Ottobre 2015): 56–61. Archived from the original on 26 September 2015. Retrieved 4 September 2015.
31. Klassiekerweb: Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 Aerospyder - Klassiekerweb, access-date: 26. October 2018
32. "Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Bertone Coupe". ultimatecarpage.com. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
33. . 6c2500.org. Archived from the original on 2 November 2013. 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. . 6c2500.org. Archived from the original on 2 November 2013. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
37. . 6c2500.org. Archived from the original on 2 November 2013. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
38. . 6c2500.org. Archived from the original on 1 November 2013. 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. . 6c2500.org. Archived from the original on 2 November 2013. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
42. . 6c2500.org. Archived from the original on 2 November 2013. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
43. . 6c2500.org. Archived from the original on 2 November 2013. 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. . esercito.difesa.it (in Italian). Archived from the original on 22 June 2013. Retrieved 16 January 2012.
47. Fusi 1978, pp. 397–400.
48. SuperCars.net: 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Spider Corsa|Alfa Romeo|SuperCars.net, access-date: 28. October 2018
49. Fusi 1978, pp. 435–436.
50. Fusi 1978, pp. 437–438.
51. Fusi 1978, pp. 487–494.
52. 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. "Alfa Romeo Museum cars take centre stage at Goodwood". italiaspeed.com. 2009. Retrieved 8 July 2009.
57. . coachbuild.com. Archived from the original on 3 October 2011. Retrieved 28 May 2010.
58. Goodwood Greats: 1953 Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 PR, short story from goodwood.com, 6 February 2015.

Bibliography

• 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

 

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Alfa Romeo 6C.

• Registro Internazionale Alfa Romeo 6C 2500
• All Alfa Romeo 6C models chronologically listed