1952 Alfa Romeo 6C

Manufacturer: Metropole Classics BV Meubellaan 1 6651KV DRUTEN, NL 0031653328817 http://www.metropole.nl [email protected]

When Carrozzeria Touring entered a new design on the 6C 2500 chassis at the Concorso d'Eleganza at Villa d'Este in 1949 and carried off the top honours, one of the most coveted body styles of the immediate postwar era acquired the name by which it is still known today. This Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Sports Sperimentale Series IV Cabriolet, bearing exclusive coachwork by Touring, is one of only five examples built on the longer of the available wheelbases, of which just two or three are believed to survive.

According to correspondence on file dated 1989 from Carlo Felice Bianchi Anderloni, then the head of Touring Superleggera, this car, described as the Experimental Sport Series Type IV with triple carburettors on the long chassis, was completed on 15 April 1952. It left the factory finished in grey with an interior of blue leather and a matching soft top, a combination it retains to this day. Alfa Romeo Classiche's Certificato di Origine is also on file, confirming the identity of the car.

Shortly after completion the car was bought new by James Omar Radford of Abilene, Texas, a millionaire heir to a thriving wholesale grocery and real estate business who spent much of his time in Hollywood working as a film producer. A few years later this remarkable cabriolet passed to the noted American architect William Kesling. From 1972 the owner was L. H. Bud Von Nordheim of National City, California, who by all accounts maintained the car carefully until August 1979, after which it stood for some years on his property in a state of partial restoration. It was rescued in 1987 by Alfa Romeo enthusiast David Skora of Escondido, California. Photographs on file show that the car had been repainted several times since 1952, though much of its original interior survived beneath a light coloured top; a set of Borrani wire wheels fitted around this time has been preserved by subsequent owners ever since.

Bruce Robertson of Lake Forest, Illinois, found this 6C 2500 Cabriolet in 1997 midway through a restoration commissioned by Skora. Robertson had it returned to its factory correct colour combination and the work completed to the highest standard by Eric Roseneau. On leaving Roseneau's care in 2003 the car promptly claimed the awards for Best Alfa Romeo and Best of Show at the Detroit Concorso d'Italia. Robertson went on to show it at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance and at various events near Chicago, before selling it to Oscar Davis in 2008.

With its superbly elegant, Touring drawn lines, this Alfa Romeo ranks among the most desirable variants of the 6C 2500 and is further supported by personal correspondence from Signor Anderloni himself. Built in 1952, the car falls within the years recognised by the Mille Miglia storica for entry, making it Mille Miglia eligible. It is offered with a comprehensive history file and a US title, with all European taxes settled, leaving it ready to be welcomed at the world's most prestigious concours events or at the start of the Mille Miglia itself.

Contact our sales team for further information, to arrange a viewing, or to discuss the possibilities for entering the Mille Miglia.