One of the most respected of automotive design firms, Zagato was founded in Milan by Ugo Zagato, who used techniques learned in the wartime aeronautics industry to create a series of lightweight competition cars. Alfa Romeo immediately realized the potential of Zagato's designs, and thus commenced a fruitful collaboration that has lasted to this day. Legendary racing Alfas, from the P2, the 6C1500 and 1750 to the 8C2300, were joined by lightweight coupes on the Giulietta and Milano chassis.
Immediately after WWII, Zagato got back into business by producing bodies for the Fiat Balilla. They also built a few factory team cars for the new GT racing category, and catered to the growing privateer scene with true dual-purpose cars that provided daily transportation and weekend trophies with equal ease. Zagato's own history records that "avant-garde styling, together with light weight and wind-cheating lines were a trademark that distinguished Zagato's cars of that era."
The 1900 series was introduced in 1950 as the first Alfa designed for mass production. Owners enjoyed the benefits of the twin-cam, 1875-cc, 100-hp engine, wishbone and coil-spring independent front suspension and an exceptionally well-located live rear axle. The ultimate 1900 was the 1900 Zagato (SSZ), with its dual-carbureted, 115-hp engine.
This particular SSZ was restored by Epifani Restorations of Berkeley, California, and is described as "pristine" both inside and out. Painted Rosso Cordoba red with a red-piped gray leather interior, it achieved third in class at the 1990 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and has only been shown at concours events since.
Although this car has only been used for diplay, it has the high-compression race engine so would be suitable for the Mille Miglia and California Mille. The addition of a fuel cell and roll-cage would make a worthy addition to any grid of 1950s GT race cars.
{analysis} This car sold for $217,000, including buyer's premium, at the Bonhams & Brooks auction at the Cavallino Classic in West Palm Beach, Florida, January 20, 2001. The price, near the high end of the auctioneer's estimate and well above SCM's high Price Guide figure of $125,000, reflects the pristine condition of the car and its essential desirability.
Avant-garde styling from Zagato occasionally means striking, sometimes bordering on ugly. In that sense, the 1900 Zagato can be considered a forerunner of the ES30: many enthusiasts find the distinctive body style pleasing, even exciting, while others are turned off by its novelty. Contemporary Zagato bodies on the A6G Maserati, the 8V Fiat and even the Giulietta seem smaller, lower and more tasteful, while the same styling applied to the 1900 chassis comes off looking narrower and awkward. That may be because the 1900's tall, twin-cam engine prompts a high nose, which is further emphasized by the twin scoops that run along the top of the hood, and slab sides that are interrupted only by a delicate styling line.
Since Zagato built these cars on order to the owner's specifications, no two 1900 Zagatos are alike. A few "double-bubble" 1900 Zagatos were built, giving the car a notable similarity to the Fiat Abarth Zagato. (Interestingly, I believe that there are far more "double bubble" 1900s in existence today than were originally created. Funny how that happens.) Similarly, interiors on these cars show interesting variations, including the arrangement of the attractive three-dimensional instruments on the dash. One of the most appealing features of this series is the use of Zagato seats, which are well-ventilated with outstanding side support from bolsters that resemble flying buttresses.
The car here is much sleeker than others because of its longer tail section, which tapers aerodynamically while other Zagatos abruptly drop off. Though this car has been used only for show, it is inherently capable of extremely high average speeds over difficult terrain. In the 1950s, 1900 Zagatos were the cars to beat at European hillclimbs.
While the 2-liter engine and large frontal area limit its top-speed potential, getting there is all the fun. At speed, the Alfa's cast-iron powerplant emits a hollow wail. Engine and road noise resonate inside the aluminum body, which carries minimal sound-absorbing material. The car is much more spacious inside than it appears, with plenty of room between the driver's and passenger's seats and ample elbow room outboard.
As noted above, this car sold for a remarkably high price, appropriate for its remarkable condition. The new owner faces a classic question: whether to use the car as it was meant to be used, thereby risking injury to it, or to retain it as a showpiece and conserve a considerable investment. It will be very interesting to note the price of the next 1900 SS Zagato to cross the block and see if this price was an aberration, or a harbinger of value increases to come.-Pat Braden
(Historical information and photo courtesy of auction company.){/analysis}