1954 Alfa Romeo 1900C Super Sprint Series 2 Coupe

• One of only around 475 Touring Series 2 1900C Super Sprints produced
• Coachwork by Carrozzeria Touring
• In current ownership for 36 years, since 1985
• Previously restored in the late 1980s after being imported in to the UK during 1960
• Continuously maintained, fettled and upgraded in the years following the restoration

Following the second world war and the devastation that followed, Italian carmakers Alfa Romeo did not resume production until 1947, when they had to make-do with the pre-war 6C2500 to keep the factory going for the next three years.

Then, in 1950, Alfa Romeo revealed their first car of the post-war era - the 1900. The 1900 was not only the first car produced by Alfa since the second world war, but also the first to employ unitary construction, marking a number of ‘firsts’ for the Milan-based brand. Under the bonnet sat a 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine with a rather sporting double-overhead cam setup producing 90bhp. The 1900 also gained wishbone and coil-spring front suspension, which worked in tandem with a live rear axle. All of this may have seemed a little excessive for a stylish family runabout, so it came as no surprise when the sporting ‘Sprint’ 1900C was introduced in 1951. Largely similar to the standard 1900, the Sprint was built on a shortened chassis - denoted by the ‘C’ in the name - and all came with coachwork bodies, with cabriolets built by Pininfarina and coupés by Touring. The 1900C Super Sprint by Touring represents the final - and arguably best - iteration of the 1900C, which went on to shine in competition. With an enlarged 1,975cc engine producing 115bhp and an aluminium-alloy body, the power-to-weight ratio of these coupés was superb, making them ideally suited to competition use. The Series 2 cars were set up with a single-chain camshaft drive, which differentiates them from the later Series 3 cars, which utilised double chains.

Delivered from the factory on 31 March 1954 to Giuseppe Mattioli of Carpi, this ‘Tipo 3’ car was subsequently imported into the UK on 12 May 1960, before coming in to the care of our vendor during August 1985, where it has remained ever since, having enjoyed a comprehensive eight-year restoration culminating in 1994. Interestingly, history found with the vehicle suggests that the car was used for competition purposes during its time in Italy as part of the Automobile Club Roma, before being enjoyed by a total of five UK-based keepers.

Since the aforementioned restoration was completed, the Alfa has benefitted from regular fettling and maintenance, with the engine having been rebuilt, the gearbox overhauled, and the clutch recently replaced. Sympathetic upgrades have also been fitted in order for the car to work better in modern traffic, including an electric cooling fan coupled to a thermostatic switch, rear indicators and upgraded front lights, with the sidelights being incorporated into the headlights and the redundant position being fitted with orange bulbs to act as indicators.

With such lavish attention to detail and fastidious ownership, it is hardly surprising that this gorgeous 1900C Super Sprint remains in outstanding order throughout. The coach built bodywork remains straight and free of any notable blemishes or other issues, whilst the red-over-grey Connolly leather interior is in simply wonderful condition with only minor, well-earned patina being visible.

Furthermore, this car has won numerous prestigious awards in its time, including the coveted Jeffrey Mason award for ‘Best Alfa Romeo’ in 2019. With the model's competition history in period, the car remains eligible for all manner of historic motoring events, most notably the legendary Mille Miglia, which would see the little Alfa return to its home turf.

A truly stunning example, this 1900C Super Sprint would make a wonderful focal point for any collector who enjoys using and experiencing their cars as much as they do simply sitting and staring at one of the prettiest post-war Alfas ever.