The 6C 2500 Sport offered here is one of the most classic and desirable examples of coachwork on the standard-wheelbase chassis, the svelte cabriolet by Pinin Farina. Like the chassis itself, an elegant evolution of pre-war design, the body is steel with aluminum doors, hood and rear deck, and features smooth lines with covered headlamps but no bumpers.
Retaining its original chassis tag and original engine, chassis no. 915417 was originally sold in its home country. A British registration document in the file indicates it was imported from Italy in 1959 by Frank Everast Ford of Surrey and went on to change hands several times among enthusiasts there. It is believed to have been in the United States since the early 1970s, and for many years was owned by longtime Alfa enthusiast Jerry McAlevey of Palos Verdes Estates, CA.
Jim Taylor acquired the Alfa from Mr. McAlevey in January 2001, having long admired the style, and it has been one of his longest-term posessions, remaining with him for over two decades. During that time it has been widely shown all over the country, inclding at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. Older in presentation but still very attractive and retaining many original features, at the time of cataloging it had recorded 26,733 km and is accompanied by a small history file as well as a full-size Borrani spare and top boot with bag.
SCM Analysis
Detailing
| Vehicle: | 1947 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 S Cabriolet Pinin Farina |
| Years Produced: | 1939–53 (Tipo Sport from 1942 to 1951) |
| Number Produced: | 1,171 (Tipo Sport); around 90–100 with Pinin Farina cabriolet body |
| SCM Valuation: | $186,000–$810,000 |
| Tune Up Cost: | $2,500 |
| Chassis Number Location: | Stamped on the right side of the front chassis crossmember |
| Engine Number Location: | Plate attached on the front right side of the block and on the block itself |
| Club Info: | Alfa Romeo Owners Club |
| Website: | http://www.aroc-usa.org |
| Alternatives: | 1938–44 Fiat 2800, 1931–39 Lancia Astura, 1935–54 Delahaye 135 |
| Investment Grade: | B |
This car, Lot 866, sold for $235,200, including buyer’s premium, at Broad Arrow Auctions’ Gloversville, NY, sale on October 15, 2022.
An enduring model
Nicknamed “The Dream Car,” by 1939 Alfa Romeo’s 6C 2500 had been considered among the world’s finest automobiles for a good decade. When the final evolution of the 6C, the 2.5-liter version, was made available, Europe was already feeling the cold wind of war getting closer. Alfa’s 6C, a creation of Bruno Trevisan, was indeed such a worthy project that it would be the only model of its pre-war competitors — including the Fiat 2800 and Lancia Astura — to be resurrected post-war and capable of remaining in production until 1953.
About 2,600 units were manufactured, divided among three versions: The Turismo featured a long 128-inch wheelbase, the Sport had a shorter 118.1-inch wheelbase, and the Super Sport’s wheelbase was just 106.3 inches. Each variant offered differing output based on the type of carburetors installed. Post-war versions are easy to recognize, as they have their bodies welded on a cross-membered chassis, while the more-expensive pre-war cars lacked this unitized construction. Post-war 6C 2500 models also had a steering-column-mounted gear lever, while those on pre-war cars were floor-mounted.
Era of change
Our subject 6C 2500 had its chassis finished on July 24, 1947, and was shipped to Carrozzeria Pinin Farina in Turin, to be completed with the cabriolet body and delivered as a finished car on June 15, 1948. Its first owner was Mr. Remo Robiolio, a notary of Valle Mosso (today in the Biella County, but back then in the province of Vercelli) and a member of one of the wealthiest families of the area.
It’s worth noting two things here. First, the body’s amazingly long delivery time, almost a year, is directly linked to the early post-war shortage of raw materials afflicting many European countries, including Italy. Second, the Biella area was among the wealthiest areas in Italy during this time because of its specialization in fabric manufacturing. It is not a surprise, then, to see many important cars of the period being sold in this region. After all, this is the same place where the Bocca brothers had their Lancia dealership and, just a few years before, created the limited-production Astura “Bocca” series with Pinin Farina. Critically, Biella and Turin are located about one hour away by car, adding the benefit of proximity.
Meanwhile, Pinin Farina, a young but already well-established coachbuilding firm, was undergoing an important stylistic transformation, smoothly integrating fenders into the main bodywork of its designs. In 1947, it is seeing this revolution coming, but there are still technical issues to solve before fully embracing this design idea. This is why our subject 6C 2500 sports a hybrid version of the fenders: not completely distinct from the central body, but not yet fully integrated.
Strong car, weakened market
This car, listed in virtually every book related to the 6C 2500’s history, was last sold at auction in 2001 by Barrett-Jackson. Then it fetched $110,000, selling without reserve. Little seems to have changed on the car since. The beautiful light blue metallic color is quite difficult to imagine as original for a Pinin Farina car of the era (it seems to be more a Carrozzeria Touring color). However, the red of the interior is perfect, as is the finishing of the leather. The car is now missing the front and rear bumpers and while they were not the most stylish part of this design, they would still fit well.
The most visible detriments are the rear-mounted antenna, the red-painted brake drums (visible through the wire-spoke wheels), the incorrect exhaust tips, and some waviness on the right side of the car (the left side seems better). Inside, the red upholstery covering the steering wheel is wrong, as it should be beige, matching the color of the dashboard knobs. But most of the details, such as the radio, ashtray and engine bay are correct, and overall this car is a solid example.
For several years, early post-war cars have not been performing as well as more-modern collector cars as a result of strong generational shifts in the collector-car hobby. Even today, the post-war 6C 2500 S Cabriolet Pinin Farina can be considered beautiful and is spirited to drive. Its capable performance allows for use even in modern traffic. Given this model’s comfort, reliability and performance, it would make an excellent choice for touring events. Considering the overall condition of this example, I believe this Alfa to be a very good buy. ♦
(Introductory description courtesy of Broad Arrow Auctions.)
