Description
History of the Alfa Romeo 1900 CSS Touring
The Alfa Romeo 1900 CSS Touring is one of the most famous vehicles in the Italian automotive history. With its combination of advanced technology, impressive design and sporty performance, the 1900 CSS, C for ‘Corto’, i. e. a shortened wheelbase, and the suffix SS for ‘Super Sprint’ has achieved classic status, especially in the Touring version.
The Alfa Romeo 1900 CSS was designed by the renowned Carrozzeria Touring in Milan, with the design coming from Carlo Felice Bianchi Anderloni, Touring's chief designer. The design was based on the lightweight “Superleggera” construction method, which was based on a framework of steel tubes and an aluminium outer skin. This technology made it possible to combine a low vehicle weight with high stability. The lines of the vehicle are characterised by timeless elegance and aerodynamic form. It is characterised by flowing contours, a slim silhouette and the striking Alfa Romeo radiator grille, which makes the vehicle instantly recognisable. The rear end is slightly sloping and gives the vehicle a sporty touch.
The 1900 CSS was powered by a 1. 9-litre inline four-cylinder engine, which produced 115 hp in the Sprint Speciale version. The engine had two overhead camshafts (DOHC) and was renowned for its reliability and performance. With this drive, the Alfa Romeo 1900 CSS reached a top speed of up to 190 km/ h, which were impressive figures for the 1950s.
The chassis was also advanced at the time. The car was equipped with independent front suspension and a sturdy rigid axle at the rear. This combination ensured balanced handling and good roadholding, which made the Alfa Romeo particularly popular for sporting activities. It was not only a road vehicle, but also played an important role in motorsport. The model successfully took part in numerous racing events, including the famous Mille Miglia and the Targa Florio. Thanks to its agile handling characteristics and powerful engine, the coupé was able to hold its own against strong competitors and achieve many victories.
The interior of the Alfa Romeo 1900 CSS was both luxurious and sporty for the time. High-quality materials dominated the interior, while the dashboard was fitted with classic round instruments.
Description of the Alfa Romeo 1900 CSS Touring -SSC588 offered here
The Alfa Romeo 1900 CSS (Coupe Sprint Speciale) offered here is from the coveted 2nd series. Due to its year of construction, this vehicle is authorised to take part in the legendary Mille Miglia.
What makes this Alfa Romeo even more desirable is its fascinating history. It was first delivered to Portugal and has been in 1st hand ever since - a true rarity! The original Portuguese papers, which exude the charm of the past, are of course included in the delivery. Presumably in the 1970s, this iconic Alfa Romeo was repainted in its original colour scheme. The matching-numbers engine speaks for itself. The interior is also a reflection of its past - classy and authentic, the classic design of the Alfa Romeo 1900 CSS, which still exudes a magical attraction today. This coupé was then preserved and decommissioned for over 30 years until it was discovered by an Alfa Romeo collector and brought to the Alfa Romeo specialist Scuderia Sportiva Servizio (former Alfa Classic Centre) in Dortmund, Germany. It has now been freshly serviced, including the brake system being overhauled and the engine, ignition and carburettor being inspected and readjusted. The bodywork and underbody are - as far as can be seen - rust-free. All structural damage has also been repaired and this unique Alfa is looking forward to its new adventures. In short, a truly unique time capsule with a unique history awaits its new owner.
This 1900 CSS has the original ‘Livrete’ registration papers from Portugal - a real treasure for every collector and Alfa Romeo enthusiast. With this history, combined with the current fantastic and largely original condition, you will be hard pressed to find a comparable vehicle on the market. A piece of history that not only inspires with its technology, but also with the passion that goes into every detail. A vehicle that is more than just a car - it is a dream that lives on four wheels.
Summary
The Alfa Romeo 1900 CSS Touring epitomises the values for which Alfa Romeo is known: sporty elegance, technical innovation and a close connection to motorsport. As one of the most beautiful coupés of the 1950s, the 1900 CSS Touring remains a coveted collector's item and a symbol of Italian automotive engineering. With its combination of performance, design and history, it occupies a special place in the world of classic cars. The history is absolutely unique. A little anecdote: an Alfa Romeo 1900C Super Sprint cost around 31, 000 marks in Germany in 1954, around 2, 000 more than a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing.
We or our sister company in Dortmund (ex Alfa Classic Centre) will be happy to carry out future service and maintenance work on favourable terms.
Notice:
We are selling this Alfa Romeo on behalf of the owner (agency business). This offer is non-binding and subject to prior sale. We provide support with registration/ registration in Germany. If required, we will be happy to have a new valuation report drawn up. In Europe, transport in a closed trailer, plus container shipping for the rest of the world.
This classic offered here is located in our factory in 57548 Kirchen/ Sieg, Jungenthaler Str. 1a. Here you will find - ONLY BY PRIOR REGISTRATION - a permanent selection of 80 historically valuable sporty vehicles. Please visit - details above to find out more about our range of services and selection of vehicles.
If you like everything you have read and seen so far and would like to view the car, PLEASE APPOINT AN APPOINTMENT! Spontaneous visitors are always welcome, but there is no guarantee that you will be able to view individual vehicles in detail. The office is not permanently manned.
