In 1953, The TI Super engine was launched which enlarged capacity to 1,975 cc and offered an impressive 190 km/h top speed in the 1900C Sprint chassis. It was also paired with different gear ratios and “Alfin” self-adjusting rear brakes. These second series cars are sometimes refereed to ass CSS or Tipo 2 or Series II.

Many of the sporting versions made by Zagato, known as the SSZ provided Alfa Romeo with success in sporting competitions such as the Tour de France, the Targa Florio, the Stella Alpina and the Coupe des Alpes. An advertising slogan of the day described it as ‘The family car that wins races’.

Some 1900 Sprints were sent to Ghia in Turin, Italy to be equipped with an all-new design called the Ghia Special. These dramatic Coupes were the work of Giovanni Savonuzzi who worked for Ghia alongside Giovanni Micheliotti, Pietro Frua and Mario Boano. Savonuzzi’s design used long protruding fenders with a small green house and distinct rear tailfins. Ghia fabricated around 10 bodies on the 1900 Sprint chassis. Each car shared the same basic shape but was unique in detail, especially with regards to the lighting, bumpers and dashboards.

In Detail

type	Series Production Car
production years	1953 – 1959
built at	Italy
engine	Cast Iron Inline-4 w/Light Alloy Head
displacement	1975 cc / 120.5 in³
bore	84.5 mm / 3.33 in
stroke	88 mm / 3.46 in
compression	8.0:1
power	85.8 kw / 115 bhp @ 5500 rpm
specific output	58.23 bhp per litre
body / frame	Custom Body on Unibody Steel Chassis
driven wheels	RWD
top speed	~180 kph / 111.8 mph

Auction Sales History

1954 Alfa Romeo 1900C Super Sprint Coupe Ghia AR1900C01838 – sold for $330,000

This 1900 SS was restored some time ago, believed around 1995, and reportedly, it has more recently undergone a comprehensive engine overhaul, which included the addition of new brakes, radiator, and clutch. The car is currently in fine, drivable condition. This is a rare and significant special-bodied Alfa Romeo of quality and style, and one as such rarely comes available. It is eligible for the most important historic events and would be a welcomed entry as a representative of this and other special-bodied cars, such as the 1900 Conrero Alfa Romeo 1900C Supersonica, which participated in the Mille Miglia in 1953. Auction Source: 2014 Monterey by RM Auctions

 

1954 Alfa Romeo 1900 C SS Coupe AR1900C *01742* – sold for $649,000 Highly Influential One-Off Design. Based Upon Top-Specification Alfa Romeo 1900C SS. December 1954 Los Angeles Auto Show Award Winner. Built to Special Order For Al “Papagayo” Williams. Very Well-Known West Coast Car from New. Top-Quality, Concours-Level Tony Nicosia Restoration. Successful Show Car with Multiple Awards. Eligible for Premier Concours and Driving Events. Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auctions by Gooding & Company

1957 Alfa Romeo 1900C Super Sprint Touring Coupé 1900C10542 – sold for €103,936

This particular car is thought to have been delivered new on 19 July, 1957 to a Mr. Robert A. Seaux in Gent, Belgium, in the same colours that it wears today. It is believed he owned the car until 1993, at which time it was acquired by Ugo Barone from Livorno, Italy. The vendor, who acquired the car with 100,000 kms, bought the car from Mr. Barone in 2003 and drove it back from Italy without a problem. Auction Source: 2011 London Auction by RM

1954 Alfa Romeo 1900C Series 2 Sprint Touring Coupé 130800894 – sold for €135,700 Presented in quite superb condition, this 2nd Series Sprint is finished in two-tone blue with matching period-correct interior and has the floor-mounted gearshift. The car is offered with State of Florida Certificate of Title. Auction Source: 2011 Automobiles d’exception au Grand Palais by Bonhams

1955 Alfa Romeo 1900C Super Sprint Touring Coupe – sold for €61,875

Finished in dark blue with a silver roof, the car presented here carries Touring coachwork and has Bordeaux vinyl upholstery with dark red carpets. Sold new in Italy in August 1956, chassis 10610 comes with Alfa Romeo Automobilismo Storico letter of authentication confirming the date of production. Auction Source: 2009 RM Auctions’ Automobiles of London

 

1952 Alfa Romeo 1900C Berlinetta by Touring – sold for $96,250

This lovely five-window Superleggera Berlinetta is one of 650 first-series examples produced from 1951-53 by Touring, greatly prized as the purest form for the model, featuring the highest level of bespoke detail. This car was the subject of a three-year-plus nut and bolt restoration by noted Italian car specialists RPM (Restoration and Performance Motors) in Vergennes, Vermont. No component was neglected, from a bottom-up engine rebuild, transmission, suspension, interior and trim, to the 12-coat final finish. Each step was exhaustively researched for authenticity, down to the signature Touring rosewood and aluminum steering wheel. There is a comprehensive photographic history of this epic restoration available with the car, and it was documented with a six-page ‘Restoration Profile’ in the January, 2006 issue of Hemmings Sports & Exotic Car magazine. (The car was then featured as the May image for their 2007 calendar.) Auction Source: 2008 Monterey Preview