A Stunningly Restored Example of the Series I 1900, Arguably the Most Beautiful and Finely Detailed of the Touring Bodied 1900s.1952 Alfa Romeo 1900C Sprint Tourings/n AR1900C*01265*, eng. no. AR1308*00368* Carrozzeria Touring no. 3783 Red with Tan Leather Interior with Beige Cloth insertsIn 1950 when Alfa Romeo launched their all-new unit bodied 1900 series, unprecedented demand for the innovative and stylish car immediately propelled Alfa Romeo into expanding global markets. The 1900 platform was versatile and technically sophisticated. Many of the finest Italian coachbuilders were immediately consulted to design and construct bodies for the 1900. The resultant range of special body configurations made the 1900 one of the leading platforms among European coachbuilders. Among the most desirable and arguably the most elegant of the coachbuilt 1900s is the Touring bodied 1900C.Touring Carrozeria’s patented Superleggera (super lightweight) construction utilized a formed steel sub-frame enveloped by a lightweight aluminum skin. In the Touring design, the classically inspired coupe utilized a clean and fluid lower body accented by crisp raised character lines exquisitely formed into the alloy body. The delicately constructed upper body was lightly garnished by trim and beautifully proportioned glass. This simple elegance had an even sportier touch when offered in the shorter 2,500mm wheelbase, as the 1900C Sprint. The Sprints performed exceptionally well in competition, delivering multiple wins in competition throughout the world.This lovely Touring Superleggera Coupe is from the first series of Touring production, 1951 to 1953. Among the evolution of this series, the most desirable is the earliest of the four body designs featuring the low roof, smaller rear window, fluid canopy design, recessed door handles, and prettier grille brows. This particular car was completed in early 1952 and is known to have spent time in Italy and later in Germany. A Dutch Alfa Romeo collector is also reported to have owned the car for more than 20 years before selling it to Paolo Stallone, an Italian living in South Germany. The next owner purchased this car from Stallone in 2012 embarking on a complete restoration.Experts at Laboratorio Lopane in Italy, known for expertise with Alfa Romeo restorations, began an extensive restoration. During this time, it was revealed that a steel nose had been constructed for the front of the car. The decision was made to remove the body. strip the finish to the bare metal and fit a new alloy nose to the body using original Touring specifications. The body was placed on a rotisserie fixture allowing for comprehensive alloy work, metal work as needed, and careful restoration of the original body. As work grew, it became clear that a total restoration was the only proper way to honor such an important car. Four years later, the car emerged from restoration including a beautifully finished interior from Maili in Milano, with mechanical and electrical work performed by Metzemacher of Koln, Germany. Restoration work was documented with detailed photos and invoices. Approximately $200,000 was spent on the restoration with the goal of achieving a high-quality finish representative of the refined craftsmanship and elegant design of the original. consigned the car. In 2019, the car was consigned to Fantasy Junction. The current owner purchased this car in 2019. After his purchase, the owner engaged the services of specialists including Matteo Bosisio, Classic Wheels, to improve the Borrani wheel fitting and brake actuation for better operation, stance, and more secure fit to the hubs. A former patched hole in the gas tank was professionally repaired including new tank straps, a set of new rear axles and seals were installed, a new exhaust manifold installed, the water pump was rebuilt, new gaskets, driver’s side window mechanism repaired, generator serviced and electrical repaired, new oil relief valve, and new 40 DCOE carburetors were installed. Today, this elegant Alfa Romeo 1900C presents in superb condition, with beautifully finished deep red paint, applied with consistent coverage and excellent final polish. The lustrous and deep color reveals the signature Touring crisp wheel openings, rocker scallop, and taut upper canopy. The delicate upper is offset by a masculine and purposeful stance on Borrani wide alloy wire wheels with chrome-plated dual-ear knockoffs and Pirelli Cinturato tires. The wire wheels encase full-diameter alloy drum brake castings, giving the car a competition flavor, befitting the Sprint designation. The minimal chrome trim surrounding the Carello headlamps is perfectly formed and polished, while the glass accessory lights, and teardrop door handles are beautifully fit to the body. The Touring Superleggera coachwork badges, Alfa Romeo emblems, and supporting grille and side vent trim are wonderful accents against the rich body color. Often presented without bumpers to spoil the stunning elegance of the Touring design, this allows viewers to appreciate the body design even more.The remarkable two-tone interior is breathtaking, presented in contrasting tan leather with beige cloth inserts, the body-colored dash and full instrumentation combine in an elegant and sporting way. The dashboard and accompanying instruments are beautifully restored displaying gorgeous Italian nomenclature, accented by the polished aluminum and lacquered wood Nardi steering wheel. The instruments are clear, beautifully colored, and surrounded by crisp polished trim surrounding both the large and small faces. Further details throughout the interior include a Touring Coachbuilders emblem embossed on the driver’s side rubber floor mat, beautifully detailed interior door handles and window cranks, and elegant wool broadcloth headliner.The engine compartment has also been comprehensively restored using correct factory finishes, correct hardware and fasteners, and proper wiring, all of which are brought together with mechanical refinement and aesthetic harmony. The textured black castings are uniformly finished with attention to detail and authenticity in every respect. The engine compartment is trimmed with engine turned aluminum, set off by the twin Solex carburetors and short flared polished intake trumpets. The trunk is finished with an alloy Borrani spare wheel and Michelin tire nestled into the formed tub, while the floor is covered with a correct fluted form-fitting rubber mat. The underside of the car has been restored with the same attention to detail and authenticity afforded to the exterior. Finishes are properly executed yet not taken to the level of fussiness that would restrain one from enjoyably driving this car. The floor is structurally sound, properly finished, and representative of proper restoration performed by expert practitioners with reverence toward authenticity and artistry.On the road, this 1900C Sprint delivers a delightful driving experience. Originally designed for touring, the 1900 was remarkably well balanced for a wide range of rural and urban roads, which still holds true today. The exceptional restoration performed on this car delivers not only enjoyable spirited Italian performance, further enhanced by the added horsepower of the twin-carb Sprint option. The column shift gearbox is easy to use and shifts properly. The comfortable interior, twin cam engine, and the stability at highway speeds allow for comfortable vintage touring, while easily accessing any stowed items in the rear bench area. Accompanying the car are multiple restoration documents and extensive photos documenting the restoration.This Alfa Romeo 1900C Sprint represents a rare opportunity to acquire a beautifully restored early Touring coachbuilt Alfa Romeo with fresh presentation and delightful road manners. The combination of elegance and sportiness, makes this 1900 both a wonderful event or show car for many major automotive venues throughout the world. For those who admire hand-built alloy coachwork, top level restoration, state of the art engineering, and spirited motoring, this Alfa Romeo 1900C delivers an unmistakable combination of memorable motoring and Italian design.