Description
A rare classic and a car of great prestige: here is this magnificent and highly original Alfa Romeo 2600 Berlina dating from 1966!
The Alfa Romeo 2600, also known as the Tipo 106, was the flagship of the famous Italian marque between 1962 and 1968. A direct successor to the 2000, this model went down in history as the last to use the classic in-line six-cylinder engine. Alfa Romeo had been equipping its models with six-cylinder engines since the 1920s, but with the growing demand for mass-produced cars, four-cylinder engines gradually supplanted six-cylinders.
At the 1962 Geneva Motor Show, the Alfa Romeo 2600 range was presented to the public. In addition to the Berlina shown here, with bodywork produced in-house, the range included a cabriolet designed by Touring, the 2600 Spider, and a coupé designed by Bertone, the 2600 Sprint.
All body variants in the 2600 range were based on the previous 2000 models, using their design with only minor adjustments. The main difference from the 2000 was the all-new 2. 6-litre in-line six-cylinder engine with twin overhead camshafts, which produced between 130 and 165 bhp depending on the body version chosen.
Although the 2600 benefited from a powerful and innovative engine, the range was not as successful as had been hoped. Alfa Romeo therefore decided to concentrate its efforts on the future Giulia range. Interestingly, the 2600 was largely a restyling of the 2000, still using many parts from the 1900 of the 1950s.
In total, only 2, 038 examples of the Berlina were produced, while almost 7, 000 units of the Sprint and around 2, 250 units of the Spider rolled off the production lines.
HooG Selections is particularly proud to have acquired, through its network, this superb and above all very authentic 2600 Berlina dating from January 1966. With its typical light grey bodywork and elegantly original grey cloth interior, this 2600 exudes authenticity.
The original registration documents show that the car has always been kept in Italy, which explains its excellent state of preservation. This 2600, presented here, has developed a beautiful patina over the years and, even more than 50 years after its first registration, it still impresses with its driving qualities. The powerful 130bhp in-line six propels this large saloon with astonishing vivacity, while the five-speed manual gearbox is precise and pleasant to use.
With a limited production run of just over 2, 000 examples, the 2600 Berlina has become a true rarity, which convinces us to offer here a car of great uniqueness.
If this praise has aroused your enthusiasm, we urge you to get in touch with our specialist, Sjoerd Knotter.
We look forward to welcoming you to our showroom in Katwijk aan Zee!
