Chassis No. 915.417

Engine No. 926.235

Alfa Romeo's 6C 2500 was the last inline six-cylinder model developed by the great Vittorio Jano and was both the company's last prewar and first postwar model, and the last true coachbuilt Alfa. A modern car for its era it boasted four-wheel independent suspension with parallel trailing arms and coil springs in the front, and swing axles with torsion bars in the rear, and could achieve 160 km/h.

The 6C 2500 Sport offered here is one of the most classic and desirable examples of coachwork on the standard-wheelbase chassis, the svelte cabriolet by Pinin Farina. Like the chassis itself an elegant evolution of prewar design, the body is steel with aluminum doors, hood and rear deck, and features smooth lines with covered headlamps but no bumpers. Pinin Farina coachwork in this era was a literal moveable feast of fine detailing, witnessed in this car's original Bakelite dashboard fittings, color-coordinated to the headliner of the top; delicate tinted glass sun visors; an elegant ashtray in the back of the front seat; and braided leather grab handles. Even the map pockets on the door are lovingly tailored. The interior features an unusual layout with a two-passenger seat and 60/40 front bench seat, the passenger side of which is longer to more easily allow the rear seat occupants to slip in and out – or, as has been suggested, to allow the driver to be accompanied by both girlfriends. Borrani wire wheels with two-bar knock-offs are the finishing touch.

Retaining its original chassis tag and original engine, chassis no. 912.417 was originally sold in its home country. A British registration document in the file indicates it was imported from Italy in 1959 by Frank Everast Ford of Surrey, and went on to change hands several times among enthusiasts there, registered as 'XLP 61,' a plate still present today. It is believed to have been in the United States since the early 1970s, and for many years was owned by longtime Alfa enthusiast, Jerry McAlevey of Palos Verdes Estates, California. Late in Mr. McAlevey's ownership the car, already cosmetically refinished to its present color scheme, was featured in Dennis Adler's 2000 book, The Art of the Automobile, as one of the 100 greatest cars ever built.

Jim Taylor acquired the Alfa from Mr. McAlevey in January 2001, having long admired the style, and it has been one of his longest-term possessions, remaining with him for over two decades. During that time it has been widely shown all over the country, including at The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, and was the feature of an episode of My Classic Car in which Dennis Gage visited Mr. Taylor's automobiles. It was also the basis for a Chris Osborne painting depicting Rita Hayworth with her own blue 6C 2500 Super Sport. Older in presentation but still very attractive and retaining many original features, at the time of cataloging it had recorded 26,733 km, and is accompanied by a small history file as well as a full-size Borrani spare and top boot with bag.

Mr. Taylor aptly described this car as "a touring car, a great car for Sunday afternoon with two couples and a beverage, some cheese and a loaf of bread." That is not a bad suggestion for its next owner!