Italian coach builder Carrozzeria recently turned heads at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show by unveiling a modernized concept car of the original Touring Disco Volante they made for Alfa Romeo in 1952. The classic boat tailed rear window and small twin tail lights are a direct reflection of the Dico Volante’s 60 year old original design. The body of the new concept car sits on the previously released Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione which delivers 443 horsepower from a 4.7l V8 motor.

Carrozzeria is looking to build a few of these cars which will most likely be spoken for long before they are even started. Many enthusiasts agree the addition of this car would be a great addition to any Alfa romeo collection.

Matching Numbers, Short Wheel Base Super Sport by Pininfarina.
1949 Alfa Romeo 6C2500SS SWB Pininfarina Cabriolet
s/n 915797, Engine no. SS928109
Dark Blue with Red Leather Interior
Price: $325,000
Seller: http://www.fantasyjunction.com

A development of the prewar 6C 2300 and 2500, this 6C 2500 Super Sport is the ultimate variant of the old style elegant, glamorous, and luxurious Alfa Romeos that were developed under the guidance of Vittorio Jano and Wilfredo Ricart. The specification is accordingly modern, including dual overhead cam engine and independent suspension all round. Alfa Romeo ambitiously raced the 6C 2300 and 2500 following their introduction, amassing an impressive string of victories and podium finishes including 1-2 in the 1937 Mille Miglia, 1-2-3 in the 1937 6 hour Targa Abruzzo at Pescara backed up by another Pescara win in 1938. Successful races continued after the cessation of WWII hostilities, including an overall win in the 1950 Targa Florio.

The most technically potent of several 6C 2500 models was the Super Sport, built on the 2,700mm wheelbase. With three Weber carburetors it gave 110hp even on the low octane fuel available in Europe at the time. The 6C 2500′s relatively stiff frame and 4-wheel independent suspension delivered this power to the road much better than the typically cart-sprung solid axle cars of the day. The supple suspensions were easier on drivers and passengers, important both in preserving a competitor’s alertness at the end of the Mille Miglia and to the owner of a Gran Turismo Alfa at the end of a road trip to Cannes. Their combination of sophisticated engineering, durability, and attractive bodywork has ensured that they are and have always been highly sought after by collectors and performance minded enthusiasts. Three variants were built postwar, including the two closed versions (one by Touring and one in house by Alfa Romeo. The most attractive, sporting and valuable examples were bodied by Batista “Pinin” Farina.

Pinin Farina’s sense of proportion and innate understanding of the effect of aerodynamics was expressed in flowing curves and balanced masses that complemented the big Alfas’ size and performance. The Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS offered today is one such eloquent statement by Pinin Farina, a sleek cabriolet with seating for four. The International Register of the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 indicates that just 63 6C2500 SS short wheelbase cabriolets made during the postwar period, making this a very rare find indeed.

This car boasts and interesting history, including at least one race event at Kyalami, South Africa. Completed on May 19th, 1949, and sold new via Alfa Romeo Milano to Mr. Vittorio Meneghelli of Venice, Italy, this car was taken to South Africa during the 1950s when Mr. Meneghelli relocated there. An avid racer, and previously a class winner in the Miglia Mille, Mr. Meneghelli mainly used this car for long distance high speed touring on business trips between Johannesburg and Cape down. During this time a Plexiglas bug deflector was fashioned and installed to keep the windscreen clean on these long trips. On more than one occasion, Mr. Meneghelli reports completing the 1,100 mile trip in ten hours(!). Period photos on file depict this example with the number 8 on the door, prepared for racing at Kyalami. It was evidently for competition purposes that Meneghelli converted the car to floor shift specification during this initial ownership period.

Imported to North America in the 1980s, this car was previously owned by Oliver Collins of Toronto, Canada, who sold it to Robert Berchen of Auburn, Massachusetts, who sold it to Jerry Letieri, of Connecticut. Mr. Latieri sold the car to Tim Hunt, who had much of the car restored by the Lemire Shop. Hunt sold the restored car to Bill Stetson III, of Norwich, Vermont, who kept this magnificent automobile as part of his collection which also included a Mercedes 300 SL Roadster and a Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet A. In 2001, this car was sold to a prominent Southern California Alfa Romeo enthusiast via RM Auctions. Throughout its history, s/n 915797 has never been separated from its matching numbers engine.

Cosmetically, the car is best described as compressive restoration, aging nicely. The restorative work included the exterior, interior, brightwork, engine and engine bay, and aspects of the underside. The paintwork is in keeping with good “tour” standards, when gauged against today’s stringent modern restoration procedures. The body appears to be very straight and solid, with no obvious evidence of any major repairs. The chrome and aluminum trim is straight and complete. The glass, emblems, and lenses- including the audaciously styled headlamps-are all in good order. The interior is beautifully presented with deco styling and factory correct gauges, knobs, and switches throughout. Likewise, the trunk is restored to match and is complete with the matching spare tire mounted and wheel to a very smart articulating holder. The car sits on aluminum Borrani 17″ wire wheels, date-coded April of 1954, with Firestone tires. At the time of the restoration, a new tan canvas top was installed, with a matching boot.

In keeping with the presentation of the exterior, the engine bay was also detailed as part of the restoration, with correct finishes applied where appropriate. Correct cloth wrapped plug wires, air cleaners, and hose clamps are in place. The engine and driveline are exceptionally clean and dry-a testament to quality of mechanical work performed. All the correct identification plates are in place and unaltered.

This example is a spirited joy to pilot. The car starts easily, idles smoothly, and revs freely good power and no smoke. The four speed transmission shifts smoothly and accurately. The chassis is compliant, steering accurate, and suspension tight. The brakes are effective, with minimal pull from side to side.

Included with the car is a large historical file including letters to and from the original owning family, period photographs, an owner’s manual, and photo documentation of the engine work. This rare, beautifully deco-styled Cabriolet will be a welcome entrant to many of the world’s most prestigious concours events. In addition to its show potential, it is also eligible for nearly all the major tours and events such as the Miglia Mille, and the California Mille, among others. Its interesting early history adds a unique flair, further differentiating this example from others in the already rare 6C 2500 Cabriolet series.

Source: Fantasy Junction - Brokers of Fine Collector Automobiles and Vintage Race Cars

Leading a long list of exciting early entries for the RM Auction – London, Battersea sale is a 1972 Alfa Romeo 33-3 TT, chassis number AR11572/010. Raced extensively by the famed Autodelta team in 1972, this historic sports racing car was a participant at Le Mans in the hands of Nino Vaccarella and Andrea de Adamich, the latter of whom also drove the car in the Targa Florio that same season. Accompanied by extensive documentation and presented in outstanding, highly original condition, it boasts a freshly rebuilt engine and is ready to compete at the world’s most prestigious events.

More detailed images of this unique Alfa Romeo can be seen at the RM Auction site.

Estimate: £525,000 – £575,000

Source: RM Auctions

With the Frankfurt Motor Show quickly approaching manufacturers are busy preparing what they will reveal to the public.  Some are keeping us in the dark until the last minute, like Fiat and their third generation Panda.  Alfa has chosen the path of suspense and posted the photo above on their Facebook page.

The car pictured isn’t drastically different from the 4C concept revealed last March in Geneva but is finished in gray instead of the traditional red.  The mere change in shade can’t be considered a “new look” so there has to be something more that has changed that the picture isn’t showing. 

We know that Alfa wants to launch the car rather quickly – certain reports indicate that the first examples will be delivered later next year.  With that in mind the car that will be displayed in Frankfurt could easily be the production version of the 4C.  Other rumors claim that it will be a convertible version of the 4C, likely dubbed the 4C Spider.  Unless Alfa releases more teasers we will have to wait until the show opens to find out what they have in store for us.

Source: www.europeancarnews.com

You can find the video below, enjoy!

When Alfa Romeo left the U.S. in 1995 they did so with the promise to return as soon as possible.  The first date tossed around was 2003, then 2004 which quickly became 2006.  Years passed and there were still no new Alfas in the U.S., with the exception of the hundred or so 8Cs sold via Maserati dealers.  The latest date announced was 2012 and that seemed pretty plausible.  After all, Fiat made a successful return to the U.S., it would seem logical that Alfa follows suit promptly.

Unfortunately Alfa has once again pushed back their entry into the U.S. market to 2013, a full decade later than they initially announced.  No reason was given for the delay, though we suspect it can be blamed at least partly on the development of the upcoming Giulia.

Alfa has been promising a 2012 return since 2010 and in an effort to keep their word a minuscule number of 4Cs might be delivered towards the end of 2012.  A Jeep-based SUV is scheduled to arrive in the summer of 2013 and the Giulia should finally make its appearance towards the end of 2013.

One car that Alfisti were particularly looking forward to seeing in the U.S. was the popular Giulietta.  Spy shots of it meandering around the U.S. with manufacturer plates gave Alfa fans false hope: the hatch will indeed cross the Atlantic but in the process it will swap identities and become a Dodge, making it unlikely that an Alfa-badged Giulietta will show up and cannibalize the Dodge version.

Source: www.europeancarnews.com

Alfa Romeo’s UK branch commissioned artist Louise Dear to create an art car to introduce the MiTo Sprint, powered by a 1.3 JDTM-2 four-cylinder diesel.  The MiTo Sprint emits just 95 grams of co2 per kilometer, a statistic low enough to exempt it from the UK’s congestion charge. 

 The painting on the MiTo was inspired by Dear’s 17-year-old daughter and prominently features her face on the hood.  The rest of it uses elements of the Alfa emblem and the famous Quadrifoglio.

“I really wanted to capture Alfa Romeo’s heritage and elegance within my creation, while bringing out the stylish and fashionable aspects of the Alfa MiTo”, said Dear.  “The Alfa MiTo is targeted at a young, stylish audience who have a positive attitude to life, and are focussed on being successful, and within my painting I have tried to bring this across using a combination of designs that convey powerful imagery mixed with elegance and beauty.”

The painted MiTo is entitled “Because I Can” and was revealed at the Artica Galleries next to some of Dear’s other paintings.  The flower power MiTo will embark on a tour of UK galleries.

Source: www.europeancarnews.com

Alfa has announced that it will stop taking orders in the UK for the 159 tomorrow.  Other European countries are expected to follow suit shortly.  The Italian automaker is preparing a replacement for the 159 called the Giulia but it is not ready yet so there will be a gap in Alfa’s lineup until the launch of the new car.

The 159 came out in 2005 as a replacement for the 156, a successful car that in a lot of ways turned Alfa around and inaugurated a new styling direction for them.  Both the Brera and the Spider shared the 159′s front styling and both removed from Alfa’s lineup last year. The 159 was a fairly successful car, especially in Italy where the goverment bought entire fleets of them.

The new Giulia has not been seen yet but Alfa is expected to reveal it by the end of this year.  It will be available as a wagon and as a sedan and in both front wheel drive and all wheel drive and it will be the first Alfa to wear the Giulia name since 1978.

Source: www.europeancarnews.com

Starting this week the Alfa Giulietta can be ordered throughout Europe with Alfa’s much-anticipated TCT dual dry-clutch transmission. Alfa bills it as a more efficient and more fun alternative to a standard automatic transmission. It is commanded via a shift lever on the floor but the driver can also shift manually thanks to available paddles behind the steering wheel.

Alfa says that the main selling point of their TCT double clutch is that it makes the Giulietta faster and more efficient. Realistically the difference is not drastic: the 170hp 2.0 JTDM diesel gets from 0-62mph in 8.0 seconds with a manual transmission and accomplishes the same task in 7.9 seconds when equipped with the TCT transmission. On the fuel economy side of things, the Giulietta with three pedals gets 50mpg while the one with only two gets 52mpg; Alfa also says the TCT-equipped Giulietta emits less CO2 than a stick, an important statistic on the European market where cars are often times taxed at least partially according to how many grams of CO2 they emit per kilometer.

The TCT is only available with the 2.0 JTDM and the 1.4 TB and commands a 1,700 € premium over an equal model with a stick. It is worth noting that this is the same gearbox that Alfa says they will use in the upcoming 4C.

Source: www.europeancarnews.com