Alfa Romeo 1900CS BERLINETTA, 1953
Alfa Romeo 1900
Alfa Romeo 1900•
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Chassis No.: AR1900C.01534
Engine No.: AR1306.18248
US$285,500 USD | Sold
- 1,884cc DOHC Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
- 2 Twin-choke Weber Carburetors
- est. 150bhp at 5,800rpm
- 5-Speed Manual Transmission
- Coil Spring Suspension
- 4-Wheel Hydraulic Alfin Drum Brakes
- Desirable 1900 'Corto' Coupe in elegant Pinin Farina design
- Professionally prepared for road rallies and driving events
- Beautifully and authentically presented inside and out
- THE ALFA ROMEO 1900
Although ostensibly a humble family conveyance, the 1900 was endowed with sporting credentials which extended beyond its type of power unit, owners enjoying the benefits of wishbone and coil spring independent front suspension and an exceptionally well located live rear axle. It should have surprised nobody therefore, when the 1900's potential was realized in the form of two high performance derivatives. Launched in 1951, the 1900 Sprint featured bodywork by Pinin Farina (Cabriolet) and Touring (Coupe), both models utilizing the 100bhp engine of the 1900TI sports saloon.
Although commissioned to produce the factory's official cabriolet model, Pinin Farina also built Coupes on the 1900 Sprint chassis. According to the seminal book 'Millenove' by H-J Döhren, only 100 examples of the stunningly beautiful Pinin Farina coupe were built on the short 1900 Sprint chassis between 1952 and 1953. Although its Coupe featured a steel body, as opposed to the Touring Superleggera design with its aluminum panels over a tubular steel supporting structure, Pinin Farina used weight saving methods in its design, employing steel panels with a thickness of just 0.7 mm, while the bonnet, boot lid and dashboard were all aluminum.
As a result, the much rarer Pinin Farina 1900 Coupe weighs just 50kg more than the Touring variant, enough for a very lively performance from the 100bhp engine, the top speed claimed being a very respectable 180km/h (111mph).
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This sporting 1900CS Pinin Farina Berlinetta has in the past formed part of several prominent collections and was treated to much restoration and service work by Italian classic car expert Raffi Najjarian of The Pit Stop. The engine rebuild was performed with the goal to bring the car up beyond CSS specifications, and included the installation of a CSS crankshaft, larger pistons, and dual Weber 44 DCO carburetors feeding into an Abarth intake manifold and exiting from newly installed exhaust. The final rebuild was dialed in and refined bringing power up to roughly 150bhp.
Further work included the installation of an oil cooler, electric fuel pump, new fuel tank, and a supplementary electric cooling fan, all of which required redoing the electrical with new wiring as needed. Substantial time was further spent improving the car's suspension and braking systems, with new Alfins drum brakes fitted while the front A-arms were updated to a 2500 system. The original column mounted four-speed transmission was updated to a newer a five-speed transmission with a floor-mounted shifter and a new clutch. As the mechanical work was completed, the engine bay was fastidiously detailed and carefully finished with as many authentic components as possible.
Today this handsome Pinin Farina 1900 CS presents very nicely with a quality high-gloss finish of the deep red paint, and in keeping with the performance theme, the car is finished with beautiful Borrani wire wheels. The interior reflects the performance lineage with a focus on spirited driving. The leather covered rally-style Zagato seats complete the performance picture, giving excellent lateral support, and vintage style competition seat belts are installed. The rear parcel shelf and leather straps offer a nice finishing touch to the interior, which is handsomely finished with a period correct flat Nardi wooden steering wheel, accented by the Alfa Romeo center insignia.
The engine compartment has been maintained since the rebuild, continuing to feature correct finishes, authentic parts, proper lines and materials, offering a uniform finish and slight patina resulting from recent but only minor use. Having been properly serviced and wonderfully updated, the car drives very smoothly, and has completed multiple California Mille events among other rallies. Accompanying the car is a set of tools, tool roll, and a matching wire spare wheel.
The lovely 1900CS benefits from professionally refined mechanical improvements and a delightful visual presentation in a wonderfully drivable road car. It offers an entry to the most discerning concours and driving events globally, such as the Mille Miglia Storica or Colorado Grand. The beautifully proportioned Pinin Farina Coupe coachwork matches the size and chassis layout of the 1900 Corto perfectly, and the torquey dual overhead cam engine offers plenty of power. The large Alfin drum brakes are competition derived, and the coil spring suspension will ensure great road holding on twisty mountain roads. Here is a chance to acquire a rare, coachbuilt Italian marvel, from one of the most romantic periods of motoring.
Cost
1,048,499 AED
