• One of just 107 ultimate-specification 6C 2300B Mille Miglias produced
• Fitted with original Berlinetta body by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan
• Retains matching-numbers 95 horsepower engine with correct-type triple Solex carburettors
• Fitted with a five-speed gearbox for improved touring capability; accompanied by a correct-type Alfa Romeo gearbox (numbered 843047)
• Documented history since 1946; kept in “time warp” condition in the famous “Sleeping Beauties” collection of Michel Dovaz between 1957 and 1990
• Subjected to a comprehensive two-year restoration under previous ownership
• Awarded Best in Class at both the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance (also a Best of Show runner-up) and 2009 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance

Please note this lot has entered the EU on a temporary import bond, which must be cancelled either by exporting the lot outside of the EU on an approved Bill of Lading with supporting customs documentation or by paying the applicable VAT and import duties to have the lot remain in the EU.

Veuillez noter que ce lot a été introduit dans l'UE avec un cautionnement d'importation temporaire, qui devra être soldé par réexportation hors de l'UE avec un connaissement (bon de chargement) accompagné de ses documents douaniers, ou par paiement de la TVA et des droits de douane applicables s'il doit demeurer dans l'UE.

While total production of the 6C 2300B Mille Miglia stretched to just 107 units—with the majority clothed in either Berlinetta or Spider coachwork by Touring of Milan—this magnificent example of the former, chassis number 815053, left the Portello works in April 1938. Its early ownership is unknown, most likely due to the onset of World War II, but it is first recorded as being owned by Herr Hoffer of Geneva in 1946.

In 1953, Herr Hoffer sold the car to Jean-Louis Fatio, for the princely sum of 500 Swiss francs. According to correspondence on file, in 1957, Monsieur Fatio sold the car to his friend and fellow Geneva resident Michel Dovaz, who re-registered this Alfa Romeo in France in August 1958. Dovaz—a prominent wine expert and food critic—would retain the car for more than three decades. During this time he amassed a highly unusual and desirable collection of more than 50 vintage and classic cars, all of which were kept in original unrestored condition at his estate in Villemaréchal, roughly 80 kilometres south of Paris. Monsieur Dovaz owned, at one time or another, no fewer than 21 Bugattis, while Alfa Romeo representation extended beyond 815053 to encompass a post-war 6C 2500 Competizione and a 6C 2500 SS Cabriolet. This Mille Miglia was privileged to share space in a barn at Villemaréchal with three prized Bugattis.

However, in 1983, a book entitled Sleeping Beauties brought the existence of the collection to the attention of the wider world and, from Monsieur Dovaz’s point of view, drew unwanted attention to his very private passion. As a result, he moved some of the cars to a new location in the Dordogne over the next decade or so, electing to reluctantly dispose others—of which chassis 815053 was but one example.

In 1990, ownership passed into the hands of Dutch Alfa Romeo collector and dealer Douwe Heida. Sadly, time had taken its toll on the car, and Mr. Heida duly embarked on an exacting restoration. Strenuous efforts were made to establish the original colour scheme which, according to original Touring records accessed by Mr. Heida, was reputedly light blue. It was in this form that the car passed into the ownership of Belgian Alfa Romeo aficionado and Pebble Beach judge Raoul San Giorgi in 1997.

Mr. San Giorgi retained 815053 for only two years, with ownership subsequently passing to Dutch collector and vintage car dealer Paul Koot in 1999. After a four-year tenure in Mr. Koot’s collection, the car ventured into American ownership for the first time with David Smith, who purchased it in 2003. It was at this point that a second comprehensive restoration was embarked upon with, among other things, the body being removed from the Superleggera tubing and sympathetically restored prior to refitment to the frame.

The entire restoration took more than two years and incorporated both a change in exterior colour to black and a retrim in dark green leather. The smallest details, from the Carello driving lights to the in-dash Jaeger chronograph, contribute to its period-correct presentation. Under Smith’s ownership, an Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Veloce-sourced five-speed gearbox with a BMW clutch assembly was installed in the car to improve its touring capability; the correct-type Alfa Romeo gearbox, numbered 843047, was retained, and it accompanies the car today.

Once completed, the restored car was awarded a Best in Class award at Pebble Beach in 2007 (where it was also a Best of Show runner-up), and a coveted Senior Badge at the CCCA Nationals in Bellevue, Washington in early 2008. Smith then decided to sell the Alfa Romeo, whereupon it entered the collection of the consigning owner. In 2009, it won the Pre-War Sports Car class at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, further evidence of the beauty of Touring’s design and the quality of its restoration.

Beautifully presented, and ideally suited to all manner of touring events and concours d'elegance, pre-war motoring can seldom be enjoyed more serenely, or stylishly, than this.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/pa23.