2600 Prototipo 621 Pininfarina

[arvorio 105]

G'day guys,
Whilst we're on the topic of "what car is this" can any of the more learned Alfisti shed any light on this machine? I've searched the BB and the net and all I can find are these shots here:

http://www.schach-niggemann.de/traumauto/html/4761.html

I'm assuming it was based on 2600 Sprint mechanicals? And there was a Spider version too? Any info on who, when, why and where would be much appreciated.

[twoliterlover]

Wonderful source of Alfa photos in your site reference.

[2600]

Ciao Arvorio,
Yes, there were two cars built by Pinin Farina, this beaut coupe', and a breathtaking maroon spyder. They are indeed based on 2600 components, and were introduced at the Turin Auto show in 1962.
Tubut should jump in about now, and "flesh out" some more details, and I'm sure he'll share his Spyder shots.
Cheers, Adrian

[tubut]

Great link Arvorio. I'm glad I happened to come across your post, which I would have preferred to be in the 1900/2000/2600 forum.

The text in the link above states that the car was originally shown in Turin in '62 as a spider (which is true, see below), then repodied as a coupe for Bruxelles '63. It further says that the car had a ground-up restoration at the beginning of the new millenium and won "Best of Show" at the Concours d'Elegance in Het Loo 2003.

In my opinion, this is car is the nicest 2600 that was ever made. I also think this is a really significant Alfa, as it introduced or furthered many style elements that were seen later in other Alfas. Is it just mee, or can you alse san you see some Duetto lines and the nose of the Montreal in this car?

The first picture below is page 102 of Quattroruote #84 (No.12, Dec-62).
The second picture is page 153 of Quattroruote Speciale 1964 (published in Dec-63).

[Alex]

Wow ... that spider is an almost obscenely beautiful car. Almost worth buying a horrid 2600 chassis and getting to work . The green fixed-head car in the link (to my mind) isn't quite as successful, but there's distinct elements of 400SA/330GTC in there. Thanks very much for passing this on!

[py105]

Looks kinda like an oversized Duetto with popup headlights

Aside from the ugly cross & serpent scudetto I'd take one - certainly a lot nicer than a 2000 drophead anyway.

[arvorio 105]

Hey 2600 and Tubut,
Thanks guys for your speedy replies to my 2600 question. I wasn't sure if it was in the right spot, but I see now it's been moved. I really envy you BBers with all your amazing archival resources. I wish my magazine collection was that extensive!
It seems a pity that the Spider was rebodied as a Coupe, not that the green car isn't attractive too, but does anyone know how such projects were initiated in those days? Did, for instance, Alfa management contact (insert period coachbuilder) with a request for something sexy to display on their stand at an up coming auto salon, or could it be the other way around? Why would something as beautiful as this 2600 Spider not be left intact and another closed version be produced to stand along side the first? Costs?... Politics?... Imagine this scenario for a moment.

Alfa on the phone to Pininfarina:
"I see, you've finished the special bodied 2600 and the bill is HOW MUCH??!! Oh no, I'm sorry, you can keep it now!!" Or something similar.

I guess 45 years on we car enthusiasts should just be thankful that the various carrozzerie of the era produced such beautiful rolling art, some of which has been preserved for us all to appreciate today.

[italcarguy]

If they went with that design, I bet the 2000/2600 Spider would be more sought after these days. Beautiful car!

[2600]

Hi Guys,
The footnote on the front end picture says it all, balanced mass , harmonious curves with decisive design by the hand of the master. Raises "Goosebumps" doesn't it? Yes Ruedi, there appears traces of Ferrari Superfast, Alfa Duetto, Lamborghini P400,Iso Grifo, and in profile , early Corvette and elongated Fiat 124 . But these ideas and susequent designs were fathered by the 6C 3000,which was a descendant of the Disco Volante. "Quello linea della bellezza!"
Cheers Adrian

[67alloy]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ALFA-ROMEO-2600-...QQcmdZViewItem

Check out this rare postcard on Ebay regarding this car!

What is most striking (other than the opening bid) is the juxtaposition of the jet-set typical model-types (wearing a mink stole no less) set against a band of roadside Gypsies! Politically incorrect??

[dretceterini]

Quote:

Originally Posted by arvorio 105 Hey 2600 and Tubut, Thanks guys for your speedy replies to my 2600 question. I wasn't sure if it was in the right spot, but I see now it's been moved. I really envy you BBers with all your amazing archival resources. I wish my magazine collection was that extensive! It seems a pity that the Spider was rebodied as a Coupe, not that the green car isn't attractive too, but does anyone know how such projects were initiated in those days? Did, for instance, Alfa management contact (insert period coachbuilder) with a request for something sexy to display on their stand at an up coming auto salon, or could it be the other way around? Why would something as beautiful as this 2600 Spider not be left intact and another closed version be produced to stand along side the first? Costs?... Politics?... Imagine this scenario for a moment. Alfa on the phone to Pininfarina: "I see, you've finished the special bodied 2600 and the bill is HOW MUCH??!! Oh no, I'm sorry, you can keep it now!!" Or something similar. I guess 45 years on we car enthusiasts should just be thankful that the various carrozzerie of the era produced such beautiful rolling art, some of which has been preserved for us all to appreciate today.

[dretceterini]

Quote:

Originally Posted by italcarguy If they went with that design, I bet the 2000/2600 Spider would be more sought after these days. Beautiful car!