Alfa Romeo Other 1900cSS Touring Berlinetta (1955)
for sale
Price: US $329,000.00
Price: US $329,000.00
1955 Alfa Romeo 1900cSS Touring Berlinetta
Chassis No. AR1900C *02173*
Type 1900cSS (Short Wheelbase Super Sport)
Body Carrozzoria Touring of Milan
Body No. 4537
Engine No. 1308 *01506* (Original)
Engine No. 1308 *10311* (Current)
Rear Axle No. 1103
Steering Box No. 364500
Mileage 44, 567 Kilometers
Exterior Alfa Red
Interior Tan
This particular 1900cSS was a standard Carrozzeria Touring Five-Window Berlinetta that was completed on Body or Job No. 4537. It was original assigned a high performance, Tipo 1308 1900cSS engine with individual engine No. 01506. yes, but Alfa Romeo (and I) would prefer this not to be disclosed to discourage claims of “we found the original engine” and then re-stamping one) This was replaced early in the vehicle's life with another Tipo 1308 engine (and not a fortunately not one from a 2000) with individual engine No. 01506 No, as you state on the spec. 1308*10311*, The original exterior color was Grigio Azzurro which translates directly to Grey-Blue. The Alfa Romeo Factory Assembly Records for this vehicle indicate it was completed and ready for shipping on November 7th, 1955. The original order had been placed on speculation by the Marino, Rome, Italy Concessionaire. The vehicle remained with them only a short time when it was sold on February 20th, 1956 to an unknown Rome resident. (Great, I did not know when it was sold, but it could be the date of when it went to the concessionaires, unless you have more definitely)
Little information is known about this vehicle's early life until it was recorded by the Alfa Romeo Owner's Club being for sale in the States in the late 1980s. At that time it was described as still being Grey Blue with two-tone Burgundy body work and a light colored interior. The car was purchased in Rome in the late 1950s by an American Air Force Officer who arranged for shipping and delivery to the States after his tour of duty ended.
In 1994 it was recorded being owned by USA resident Steve Wooten. His ownership ended in January of 1998 when it was sold by the Barrett Jackson Auction House at their annual Scottsdale, Arizona sale at which time it had been restored and now featured traditional all red exterior paint and a tan interior. The new owner was an English dealer who consigned the vehicle that Fall to the November 30, 1998, Christies London, King Street Auction. (Lot No. 65 / Sale 6000) where it was sold and purchased by a private Japanese Museum collection. The new owners then imported the car into Japan were it was road registered and further prepared for historic tours and rallies at which it has actively competed for more than fifteen years.
Our purchase of this Alfa took nearly a year to complete but was well worth the effort and wait it took to acquire it. We have had several of these over the years and as such have gained a vast knowledge of their unique natures. We were aware that the original engine had been replaced by another of the same specification, possibly done under warranty when the vehicle was new or near new given the individual engine No. The rare Tipo 1308/1356 specific parts that make up these vehicles were still fitted including the unique 5-speed gearbox and special rear axle assembly. The Tipo 1356 front and rear brakes were also present. These are massive affairs well up to the task of controlling the vehicle. The front use “Turbine” finning that sits inboard slightly and when in motion they pump air across them. The rears have six cooling fins on each drum assembly that likewise aids in keeping everything cool. The original unique larger fuel tank and special front and rear suspension components are all correct and original. A close inspection of the vehicles original panels and trim confirms that they are all original and correct to the vehicle. A variety of different components are stamped in many places with the two digit number “37” which is the last two digits of the Touring Body / Job No. “4537.” Sample photos of these are shown above.
Immediately after arrival a careful and thorough inspection was completed and engine compression checked. Each cylinder is perfect and even with no smoke or noises. The compression test results are as follows:
Cyl. Pounds Per Square Inch
1 170
2 165
3 165
4 165
The original lightweight decorative bumpers and mounting hardware as shown in the photos above is included with the sale of this vehicle. This Alfa Romeo has been fully restored, serviced, sorted and prepared for historic events, world-wide. The vehicle is completely without rust or signs of accident damage anywhere and it is freshly prepared and ready for any manner of immediate enthusiastic use. The sale will also include the original owner's manual and rare period sales brochure shown in the photos above.
More than 100 high resolution inspection photos and copies of the original factory assembly records as well as sample copies of additional records and documents related to this vehicle can be accessed by contacting me at
bill
AT billnoon
DOT com
or by phone at 619 840 7811
Please feel free to contact to arrange for inspections and test drives. I can assist with full door-door delivery anywhere in the world. EEC import is pre-approved at only 5% VAT and no additional duty charges.
Many thanks for your time and patience and good luck in all your automotive searches,
Bill Noon
Symbolic International
11425 Sorrento Valley Road
San Diego, California 92121 USA
Phone 619 840 7811
bill
AT billnoon
DOT com
update: 2015-11-20
Used |
“Ultra-rare, original short chassis competition Berlinetta. No rust, accident damage ever, fully restored and prepared for modern historic tours, rallies and races.” |
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): | AR1900C *02173* | Make: | Alfa Romeo |
Exterior Color: | Alfa Red/Black | Model: | Other |
Interior Color: | Tan | Year: | 1955 |
Number of Cylinders: | 4 | Engine: | 2.0-liter, Twin-Cam, Four-Clyinder |
Transmission: | 5-Speed (Fully Synchronized) | Drive Type: | Front-Engine, Rear-Wheel-Drive |
Body Type: | Alloy Competition Berlinetta | Mileage: | 44,567 |
Vehicle Title: | Clear | Sub Model: | 1900cSS Touring Berlinetta |
For Sale By: | Owner |