Words: Jonathan Wells
With the Cannes Film Festival in full glitzy swing mere miles down the Riveria, you could forgive Monte Carlo for feeling left out. And that may be why Sotheby’s, in the ultimate move of one-upmanship, have put one of the best retro racers we’ve seen of late up for auction this weekend.
The1933 Alfa Romeo 6C 1900 Gran Turismo Spider is the final derivative of the famous Alfa 6C 1500 line, and just look at it. Simple, stylish body. Staring round headlamps and thin, wiry wheels. It shouldn’t be a slick, luxurious-looking machine, but somehow it pulls it off.
The example offered here — number 23 of the 197 Gran Truism chassis produced in 1933 — was first registered in Milan on 13 July 1933. It is believed to have left Italy early in its life and is later known to have been acquired in Belgium in 1962 by noted dealer Bart Loyens, then to have moved to the U.S., where it was one of three Alfa Romeos owned by an enthusiast in Illinois.
Today, on the sparkling Monaco coast, the engine has been rebuilt by well-known Alfa Romeo expert Paul Grist, and beautiful Le Mans-style spider body, built by Neil Twyman to an original period design.
"It shouldn’t be a slick, luxurious-looking machine, but somehow it pulls it off..."
Expect a new four-speed gearbox, an improved chassis and increased rigidity. A fine choice for rallies and tours worldwide, this car is the perfect fit for a gentleman, from its deep paintwork to sensual period-correct coachwork of the most desirable style. And bidding is expected to start at what we consider to be a very reasonable €500,000.
An evocative machine with an amazing symphony of sound produced by the whine of the supercharger and the throb of the exhaust, where would you take this Alfa Romeo — and who would you road trip with?
Fancy something with a little more off-road capabilities? Check out the latest Rolls-Royce…
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