Alfa Romeo 6C 2500
Year of manufacture: 1948
Power: 95 hp
Displacement: 2,443 cm3
Number of cylinders/valves: 6/2
Weight: 1,430 kg
Condition: operational
Catalogue number: 196
The history of the legendary Alfa Romeo model with the designation 6C dates back to the early 1920s. At that time, Vittorio Jano, Alfa’s chief engineer, was tasked with creating, alongside successful racing cars, a brilliant, powerful, and lightweight car that would win races, command admiration, and conquer new markets as a commercial product. The first car bearing the 6C designation was introduced in 1925 but started production in 1927. The production of this type, after many innovations and improvements, ended only in 1954.
The Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 was introduced in 1938 and is the last road car of the 6C series. It represents a significant moment in the history of one of the most popular motor brands. It is the best and most advanced evolution of the great pre-war lineup. Immediately after World War II, it continued this tradition and was among the absolute best and most expensive cars available at that time. With its Pinin Farina body, this rare sports convertible is a unique proof of that.
This car, called the “Last Great Alfa,” marked the end of a long series of six-cylinder Alfa Romeo cars. It was produced between 1938 and 1952, with a total of 1,313 units made. During this period, this model bridged two radically different eras for the brand.
The first era was before World War II, characterized by large, exclusive, hand-built cars produced in relatively small numbers. They attracted a worldwide clientele of celebrities, especially those who loved highly sought-after top models. The Alfa Romeo 6C 2500, one of the most expensive luxury cars of its era, was popular among legends such as Rita Hayworth, Tyrone Power, and many others. This trend lasted into the early 1950s.
The second era appeared after the war and consisted of smaller, more modern, and more affordable sports cars. This production shift was necessitated by the post-war situation and market demands.
The factory mostly supplied complete chassis, while the bodies came from renowned Italian coachbuilders, primarily Bertone, Zagato, and of course Pinin Farina. The Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 was available in Turismo, Sport, and Super Sport versions, differing partly in technical details and power output. Many of the Pinin Farina-built cars were made in Sport and Super Sport versions.
The vehicles had only hand-assembled chassis and gearbox parts on the production line, but the body and interior design, which was perfect, was done by the Italian design studio Pinin Farina. The interior was upholstered with beautiful red leather. Key interior features included an ivory-colored steering wheel, wooden trim, and bright yellow control knobs. The car ran on chromed wire wheels with two-eared “discs” bearing the Alfa Romeo brand. The trunk held a fifth, spare wire wheel.
“6C” in the model name referred to six cylinders, with an engine capacity of 2,443 cm3, equipped with single, double, or triple carburetors. This Alfa Romeo could reach a maximum speed of 160 km/h with a 4-speed manual gearbox, producing 95 hp. The model had rear-wheel drive, independent suspension on all four wheels inherited from the 6C 2300 model, with double wishbones up front, coil springs, and hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels. The two-door Alfa Romeo had a wheelbase of 3,000 mm and external dimensions of 5200x1800x1500 mm. The estimated weight is about 1,430 kg.
The car from our collection is in fully functional and perfect condition, as evidenced by its recent participation in historic car races.
