Alfa Romeo – 6C 2500 Super Sport “Villa d’Este” (1951)

The first ‘new’ Alfa Romeo produced after the Second World War was the 6C 2500. This coupé was based on Alfa’s pre-war model dating from 1939 and the iconic car formed the basis of the Milanese marque’s post-war revival. The 6C 2500 was the last in the line of a noble lineage of sports models originating in 1925 with the 6C 1500. This model was also the final Alfa Romeo penned by legendary automobile designer Vittorio Jano. The 6C 2500 was built in a variety of versions and chassis lengths, and offered all-independent suspension. The double-overheadcamshaft engine was equipped with triple carburettors and had the appellation of ‘Super Sport’. The power plant delivered 110 horsepower and was capable of reaching 180 km/h (112 mph). Most of these bespoke, hand-built cars were bodied as ‘Superleggera’ coupés – the lightweight construction method patented by Touring involved welding the aluminium body panels to a tubular frame. Touring celebrated the 1949 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on the shores of Lake Como by creating a breath-taking new coupé body to cloak the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS chassis. Not surprisingly, the elegant coupé triumphed by winning the ‘Coppa d’Oro’. Alfa Romeo commissioned Touring to build a series of 25 examples to commemorate the success and gave them the soubriquet ‘Villa d’Este’. Eventually, 36 cars were sold – all slightly different in detail. Right up to the present day, this clean-lined Touring design remains one of the finest and most balanced post-war luxury sports cars. This coupé was also the last ever hand-made, coachbuilt Alfa Romeo to clothe a separate chassis. Originally delivered new in August 1951 to Hamburg in Germany, the Alfa was sold to the USA in the early 1960s. The car was misused there in dirt races and for other demeaning purposes. Nevertheless, it survived and was rediscovered in 2009, although sadly neglected and in a state of deterioration. This former beauty was then given a comprehensive restoration to bring it back to its former glory. It is the only car to bear the name of the Concours d’Élégance it won back in the day.