Alfa Romeo – 6C 2500 SS Berlinetta Riva “La Serenissima” (1950)

This ambitiously conceived project continued a great tradition of one-off automobiles. The year was 1950. The Alfa’s elegant design flaunting undoubted sporting finesse launched a new decade with a formal statement of intent looking to future horizons. The stunning contours were penned at the drawing board of Count Giovanni Lurani Cernuschi – a racing driver and journalist epitomising the flamboyant motoring scene. The exceptionally sophisticated design of the chassis and frame was delivered by Guido Cattaneo. He made use of standard parts from Alfa Romeo including a souped-up Type 6C 2500 engine arranged with dry-sump lubrication. GILCO, a specialist in chassis fabrication who also worked for Enzo Ferrari, created the tubular frame while Erminio Riva in Merate took care of conjuring up the bodywork. In August 1950, the hauntingly beautiful Berlinetta swept the board by taking the laurels at the Concorso d’Eleganza Lido di Venezia in competition with a distinguished line-up of contestants. The car’s first owner was a young industrialist based in Milan but he soon went on to sell the Berlinetta to a buyer in the USA. The current owner took on the stewardship of the unique one of one in 2018. After a complex frame-up restoration, the car makes its first appearance in Europe since 1950.