Description
1956 ALFA ROMEO 1900 C SUPER SPRINT III
- One of just 600 examples of 1900C Super Sprints produced
- Impressively restored example
- Coachwork by Touring Superleggera
- Mille Miglia eligible
- The Sprint Coupé was designed to offer sporting performance together with ‘2+2’ accommodation
- Charming and rare Black over Green colour scheme
- One of the rare number of cars assembled in 1956-1958 under Alfa Romeo license at Impéria Automobiles in Nessonvaux, Belgium. One of 6 examples estimated
- Participant in the Monte Carlo Historique in 2005 and 2006
- Participant in the Tour Auto in 2007
- A relative recent restoration has been carried out and pictures of the frame-off rebuild are on file
‘The Family Car That Wins Races‘, the 1900 performed brilliantly in competitions including the Mille Miglia, Targa Florio, Stella Alpina and Coupe des Alpes.
The Sprint Coupé was designed to offer sporting performance together with ‘2+2’ accommodation.
The 1900 was Alfa Romeo’s first post-war production model, and it showed the direction that the Milan-based company would take in the coming decades.
The 1900 was smaller and more compact than the pre-war–influenced 6C 2500, and it was powered by an iron-block and aluminum-head four-cylinder with chain-driven dual overhead camshafts.
Alfa continued to extract more power from the two-liter engine, which culminated into 115 horsepower for the SS (Super Sprint) with its five-speed manual transmission.
A variety of one-off and limited-production designs from Bertone, Ghia, Zagato, Touring, and Pinin Farina demonstrated the capabilities of these legendary artisans on the 1900 “canvas.”
Few of these designs are more classic and iconic than the Touring “three-window” coupe, built to their famous lightweight Superleggera process.
A total of 600 Super Sprints had been made between 1955 and 1958.
The chassis number sequence commenced with ‘1900C. 10001’, finishing at ‘1900C. 10600’.
Approximately 200 examples are believed to still survive today.
ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE
This beautiful example is one of just 600 Alfa Romeo 1900C Super Sprints produced between 1955 and 1958, of which some 200 are believed to survive today.
This 1900C Super Sprint happens to have a very particular early life because it is one of the rare number of cars assembled between 1956-1958 under Alfa Romeo license at Impéria Automobiles, a Belgian automobile manufacturer based in Nessonvaux, Liège in Belgium.
The factory is known for its rooftop test track just like in the Fiat Lingotto Factory.
There are no precise records of the number of cars assembled at Nessonvaux, nor do they seem to have specific chassis numbers.
In addition to an estimated 50 1900 Berlinas, just 6 examples of 1900 CSS Touring like this example were also assembled there.
The Nessonvaux 1900s had their upholstery made in Belgium, therefore distinctive. All other parts came from Italy, and the bare shells were painted at Impéria Automobiles.
The assembly of 1900s was probably not profitable enough for Impéria Automobiles as 1900s were still very expensive cars at their time.
Impéria Automobiles was also importer for Alfas before that and up to the end, as can be seen from advertisements for the Giulietta Sprint issued by Impéria in the Belgian press.
The operation had as goal avoiding custom duties.
In 1986 the Alfa was owned by Mr. Fulvio Zannier in Fontenay Aux Roses, a few Kilometres from Paris.
In 2004 it was owned by Mr. Christian Agostini resident in Saint Andiol, in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.
In February 2010 the Alfa was sold to another French collector, a Mr. Charles Rihn living in Schiltigheim, in north-eastern France.
Mr. Rihn sold the Alfa in November 2015 to Mr. Louis Salvan from Tournefuille in southwestern France.
Shortly later it was bought by a well known classic car company in Belgium (Marreyt Classics) who had it completely restored.
The restoration was completed in approximately 2019, resulting in a stunning result, with the car being restored to its original color scheme and condition.
There are photographs available which show the extent of the restoration work done.
Today, the car remains in a beautiful condition, having been restored to its former glory.
Subsequently the car was purchased by a Dutch collector and registered in the Netherlands.
The car comes with current Dutch registration paper and we can assist with registration abroad.
Its well-maintained / concours condition state and accompanying documents speak to the care and attention invested in preserving this exceptional Alfa Romeo.
This Alfa Romeo, with its elegant black exterior and an extremely special Green interior, is an incredibly attractive vehicle.
CONDITION EXTERIOR
The body of this Alfa Romeo is truly stunning. We dare to describe it as concours condition.
The car features an extremely straight, flawless exterior with a beautiful paint job. The paint has a beautiful deep shine. The fittings of the door, boot and bonnet are excellent.
The car is finished with a new set of gorgeous Borrani wheels that add to its overall elegance. No expense has been spared on this vehicle, evident in its exceptional condition.
The chrome is fully restored and shines like new, providing a beautiful contrast to the car’s exterior.
The windows are in a very nice condition as well without big signs of usage or damages.
Overall the condition of the exterior can be described as extremely beautiful but then we just describe the condition and not the looks of the car.
If you take a careful look at the shape of the body it is immediately clear that these cars were one of the nicest built in period.
CONDITION INTERIOR
The Alfa Romeo’s interior is in equally immaculate condition as its exterior.
The interior is period-correct restored, from the impressive gauges to the exquisite knobs and switches.
Sitting in this car is a true delight, as every inch of the interior begs for attention.
The thin steering wheel is flawlessly restored and complements the overall aesthetic.
The seats, carpet, doorcards, and soft top are all exceptionally nice restored, making it difficult to put into words the level of enthusiasm this car inspires.
It must be seen in person to fully appreciate its impeccable condition.
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
The car effortlessly starts, idles, and accelerates with a strong and smoke-free powertrain.
The four-speed transmission shifts smoothly and precisely, providing an enjoyable driving experience.
The chassis is agile, with precise steering and a taut suspension. The brakes are responsive, providing effective stopping power with minimal pull from side to side.
Overall, this Alfa Romeo is a joy to drive, offering a thrilling driving experience to any enthusiast.
This Alfa Romeo is impatiently waiting in our showroom for a new “caretaker” to take her to nice roads or drive the next Mille Miglia or other prestigious events.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website has been compiled by The Houtkamp Collection with the utmost care. The information contained within this advert is provided ‘as-is’, without warranties as to its accuracy whether expressed or implied and is intended for informational purposes only. The Houtkamp Collection is not liable for any errors or mistakes.