1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Sport Berlinetta
Specifications
Drivetrain: Front engine, rear wheel drive
Engine: Inline 6-cylinder
Displacement: 150 cu in
Horsepower: 95hp
Max RPM: 4,600
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Milan-based Alfa Romeo has been called the Ferrari of the 1920’s and 1930’s. In fact, Enzo Ferrari worked at Alfa as a young man before founding his namesake manufacturer. With thousands of full-time artisans, mechanics and administrators dedicated to the construction of only a few cars, Alfa Romeo-made supercars that represented the height of artistic, automotive and technological prowess.
Unfortunately, and perhaps predictably, the company fell into financial trouble, was scaled down, and eventually absorbed by Fiat. Many high-performance cars existed at the time but none of them could match the performance standards set by the 6C 2500.
The 6C was the last and fastest of Alfa’s famous six cylinder cars, capable of reaching speeds of 100 miles per hour thanks to a lighter body, increased engine capacity and improved fuel feed. The 6C is perhaps the greatest design of the period, and the one that would ultimately cause Alfa Romeo’s reputation to soar. When it debuted at the Milan Auto Show in 1925, the car would set new standards in many categories. Production of the 2500 would begin in 1939. However, a small number, just 13 examples, would boast of coachwork manufactured by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan.