Description
1952 Alfa-Romeo 1900 C Sprint Coupe by Touring of Milan
Registration Number: 796 WKX
Chassis Number: AR1900C* 01177*
Engine Number: AR1308* 00176
Recorded Mileage: 94, 492 kilometres
From the estate of esteemed Alfa-Romeo historian Mr. Peter Marshall
Matching numbers, in current ownership since 1966
Mille Miglia eligible
The Paris Motor Show of 1950 saw the launch of Alfa-Romeo’s first post-war and first unitary design model, the new 1900. The chassis design was the work of Orazio Satta Puliga, with Pinin Farina employed to body the four-seat Cabriolet and Coupe. Carrozzeria Touring were approached to clothe the Sprint Coupe. The twin-overhead-cam four cylinder engine powered the new model, which aided by larger valves and a higher compression ratio produced 100 bhp in “1900 TI” specification.
An immensely influential design, Touring's Sprint offered family sized accommodation in a two-door sports coupé format; its heart-shaped vertical grille with flanking horizontal intakes would become an Alfa trademark. In June 1954 the engine was enlarged to 1, 975cc and the model re-designated as the 'Super Sprint'.
This remarkable survivor, an early Right Hand Drive 1952 1900 C Sprint Coupe with Superleggera coachwork by Touring of Milan, has been in current ownership since 1966. Its earlier history is currently not known, we do however know that by 1961 the Alfa-Romeo resided in the UK and with a Mr. James Quin of Bovingdon in Buckinghamshire. Mr. Quin owned the 1900 for around 3 years before selling to the current registered keeper, Mr. Peter Marshall. Peter was somewhat of a legend in Alfa-Romeo circles, an architect by trade, but in his spare time a hugely respected Alfa historian, Italian car collector, and influential member of the worldwide Alfisti community.
Acquiring the by now slightly tired used 1900 in April of 1966 at 82, 260 kilometres via Alfa-Romeo agent Thomson & Taylor (Brooklands) for the sum of £250, Peter set about refurbishing his 1900 and refinishing it to his own taste. Peter drew up a to-do list, and got to work. At just over 90, 000 kms in September 1966 the engine was rebuilt by R&W Services of Walton-on-Thames, and at around the same time various other mechanical and cosmetic repairs were undertaken. Notably the 1900 saw a colour change from its original shade of Nero to the current hue of Verde Bottiglia. Since being pressed back into use in the late 1960s, the Alfa-Romeo has completed a nominal mileage, reading now 94, 492 kilometres in total.
For much of the last 20 or so years the car has been dry stored as part of Peter’s collection, very sadly now coming for sale now due to Peter’s passing in early 2024. Whilst in sound and largely complete condition, the 1900 is now ready for sympathetic restoration. Included in the sale are the car’s original British log book, current V5C, correspondence relating to the purchase in 1966, an MoT certificate dated April 1966, various period invoices for repair works, and other handwritten correspondence, notes and drawings. For the true Alfisti, an unrepeatable purchase of a desirable model, complete with impeccable provenance.
This classic vehicle will be coming to auction with Dore & Rees Auctions on Saturday 21st September at the Castle Combe Autumn Classic. For further information please contact the Motoring department.
