Sold 1957 Alfa Romeo 1900 CSS 2146376433 Tweet

After its factory was devastated by wartime bombing Alfa Romeo didnt resume car production until 1947 relying on the pre-war 2500C to carry the brand until 1952. The companys first entirely new post-war model arrived in 1950. Designed by Dr. Orazio Satta Puliga and aimed at mass production the 1900 was Alfa Romeos first model to feature unitary construction. True to the brands sporting heritage it was powered by a twin-overhead-camshaft engine. This four-cylinder engine displacing 1884cc produced 90bhp enough to propel the four-door saloon to a top speed of 93mph.Although initially a family car the 1900 boasted impressive sporting credentials beyond its advanced engine. It featured wishbone and coil spring independent front suspension and a well-located live rear axle setting the stage for two high-performance versions. Launched in 1950 the 1900C Sprint with bodywork by Pinin Farina (cabriolet) and Touring (coup) used the 100bhp engine from the 1900TI sports saloon. The Touring-bodied Sprint Coup gained widespread acclaim leading it to become the template for future aerodynamic Alfa Romeo coups. The Giulietta Sprint a direct descendant clearly reflects this lineage.The Sprint Coup was designed for those seeking a combination of sporting performance and 2+2 seating appealing to sports car enthusiasts with families. Its heart-shaped vertical grille flanked by matching horizontal side intakes became an Alfa Romeo hallmark in subsequent models. In June 1954 the engine was enlarged to 1975cc and the model was rebranded as the Super Sprint. With 115bhp and a favorable power-to-weight ratio thanks to its aluminum-alloy body these cars could reach speeds of up to 118 mph and excelled in various competitions. By the end of its production 949 Sprints and 854 Super Sprints had been built.This rare example of a landmark Alfa Romeo model features sumptuous coachwork by Carrosserie Ghia Aigle the Swiss branch of the renowned Italian design house. Priced at 35000 Swiss Francs it was more expensive at the time than a new Mercedes 300 SL! Carrosserie Ghia SA Aigle was founded on April 30 1948 by Dr. Pierre-Paul Filippi a physician from Turin to produce Ghia designs in Switzerland. At that time Turin-based Carrozzeria Ghia was owned by Mario Boano with post-war designs initially styled by him followed by Giovanni Michelotti and later Pietro Frua.In September 1954 the company moved from Aigle to Lugano staying there until April 1958 before returning to Aigle. Ghia Aigle was remarkably diverse in its choice of chassis crafting bodies for cars from Delahaye Mercedes-Benz Jaguar Bugatti Lancia Ferrari and Alfa Romeo. By the early 1960s the company had shifted focus to repairs and building bodies for ambulances removal vans and other commercial vehicles eventually going into liquidation in the mid-1980s.This 1957 Alfa Romeo 1900C SS Coupe believed to be the work of a young Giovanni Michelotti is one of only seven Alfa Romeos bodied in this unique style by Ghia-Aigle. Chassis number 10439 underwent a comprehensive restoration in 2017 including interior re-trimming bodywork renovation and servicing of the engine gearbox clutch and brakes in Bergamo Italy. Since completion all aspects of the restoration have seen minimal use and remain in immaculate condition.During the meticulous renovation of this 1900C SS it was finished in a stunning two-tone color combination. The lower half showcases a beautiful shade of light blue metallic while the top half is elegantly done in champagne enhancing the cars body lines and creating the illusion of a hardtop. The front bumper was tastefully upgraded with the installation of sleeker more discreet Marchal fog lights. The original chrome wheels have been fitted with sporty Pirelli Cinturato HS tires.The interior of this 1900C SS has been thoroughly restored undergoing a complete top-to-bottom renovation. Nearly every surface has been reupholstered in warm squash-colored leather creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. The dashboard mirrors the exteriors light blue metallic finish seamlessly tying the interior to the cars overall design. New beige carpeting has been installed and all metal surfaces gauges and trim pieces have been polished to their original brilliance. The iconic Nardi steering wheel serves as the perfect finishing touch complementing the cars elegant interior theme.The engine bay has received the same thorough attention as the rest of the vehicle. It still features the robust 1975cc DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine equipped with twin Solex carburetors and paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The engine has been refreshed and meticulously detailed with all fasteners hoses and hardware either replaced or restored. The intake manifold and valve cover have been properly refinished in wrinkle black. Included with the car is a comprehensive collection of restoration photos documenting the renovations along with an assortment of restoration receipts.Beautifully restored and sparingly driven since its restoration this coachbuilt 1957 Alfa Romeo 1900C SS Coupe offers the exhilarating experience of what a Super Sprint would have felt like fresh off the showroom floor. With its punchy performance balanced handling excellent brakes its no wonder the Alfa 1900C SS is one of the most beloved drivers cars of its era. Add to it the sophisticated styling by the masters at Carrozzeria Ghia-Aigle this spectacular example is perfect for carving up your favorite ribbons of tarmac and equally at home on the concours lawn.Please note the car is titled as a 1959.Offers welcome and trades considered.For additional details please view this listing directly on our website https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7781-1957-alfa-romeo-1900css-coupe/