1951 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Villa d'Este

Location: United Kingdom 🇬🇧

Following the end of World War II, Alfa Romeo recommenced vehicle production by refining its existing prewar line, centered around the 6C 2500. First introduced in 1939, this engine was a dual-overhead-cam six-cylinder with a displacement just under 2.5 liters. In its most potent Super Sport specification, the powerplant utilized three Weber carburetors and was installed within a shortened 2,700 mm wheelbase chassis featuring independent suspension at all four corners. Touring of Milan crafted the majority of the closed bodywork for these sporting chassis utilizing its signature Superleggera construction — forming alloy skin over a slender steel tube framework — whereas open-top coachwork was frequently assigned to Pinin Farina.

In 1949, Touring designed an upgraded coupe body for the Super Sport chassis. The striking design incorporated a tapered rear, smooth rocker panels, lowered beltlines following the wheel arches, opening quarter windows, and distinctive hood accents extending backward from the foglamps toward the windshield pillars. Debuted at the 1949 Concorso Internazionale d’Eleganza at Como, the prototype captured the Gran Premio Referendum, winning the public vote. Following this enthusiastic reception, Alfa Romeo granted permission for a limited production run within the Super Sport chassis sequence, officially bestowing the Villa d’Este moniker upon the design.

Production of the Villa d’Este extended through the completion of the 6C 2500 series in early 1952. Touring’s Carlo Felice Bianchi Anderloni estimated total coupe construction at 34 units, with general consensus holding that no more than 36 examples were produced across all body styles, including a small number of cabriolets. Because each automobile was handcrafted to individual buyer requirements, subtle variations exist between individual cars. The Villa d’Este remains the pinnacle of post-war six-cylinder Alfa Romeos, combining grand-touring performance with sophisticated styling and luxurious accommodations.

As documented in Angelo Tito Anselmi’s definitive book on the 6C 2500 and reinforced by research from a previous owner, chassis 915902 represents the 15th Villa d’Este constructed. Factory records cited by Anselmi indicate chassis completion on February 15, 1950, with Touring body number 3543 fitted. On February 23, 1951, the car was acquired new by Commendatore Vincenzo Francesco Ferrario of Bellagio. Historical documentation from the Automobile Club d’Italia confirms this original delivery and verifies that engine number 928217 — still fitted in the car today — was the original unit.

Ferrario was a prominent Italian motorist who had purchased three new Alfa Romeo 8C models during the 1930s, fostering a personal connection with Scuderia Ferrari founder Enzo Ferrari. According to former Scuderia manager Romolo Tavoni, Ferrario was among a tiny inner circle of clients permitted to address Ferrari using the familiar Italian tu. Ferrario later served on the board of directors for SEFAC S.p.A., the corporate structure overseeing Ferrari in the 1960s, appearing in period photographs alongside racing directors and industry executives at company gatherings.

In January 1952, Ferrario entered his Villa d’Este in the grueling Monte Carlo Rally. Departing from Palermo alongside 15 other entrants, he embarked on a 3,374 km journey across Western Europe heading toward Monaco. Carrying entry number 194, the car set off on January 22. Period documentation lists either V. Pellecchia or Alfa Romeo test driver Bruno Bonini as co-driver, with photographic evidence suggesting both men participated during the event. Severely challenging winter conditions eliminated over half the field, but Ferrario successfully navigated the course, completing the rally in 108th place out of only 163 finishing cars. Period images showing the car in alpine snow and celebrating at the finish line alongside Mille Miglia veteran Giovanni Battista Guidotti document the achievement.

By the early 1970s, chassis 915902 was located in Switzerland by Ottavio “Popi” Franzi, whose family operated the respected Conceria Monzese tannery in Milan. The family imported the Alfa Romeo back to Italy under registration MI-V73684 and commissioned Carrozzeria Lopane to execute a comprehensive restoration. The interior was re-trimmed in custom Franzi boar hide leather, and a set of matching luggage was crafted for the trunk. The Franzi family retained ownership for over two decades, having Lopane perform further refinements during the early 1990s.

In 1994, the car was acquired by an Italian collector who initiated a sympathetic restoration program. The bodywork was painted in period-correct Amaranto dark red, the engine bay was refinished in correct beige-green, and proper Villa d’Este components were reinstalled — including an authentic grille pattern, correct headlamps, copponi hubcaps, and an Aster radio corresponding to its rally history. The car subsequently earned accolades across Europe and North America, taking class wins at the 1994 Bagatelle Concours in Paris and the 2001 European Concours in Schwetzingen, first overall at the 1996 Touring Superleggera Concours in Trieste, an award at the 2000 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, and an appearance at the 1999 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. It was also featured in Ruoteclassiche magazine and displayed at the MART museum in Rovereto.

In 2019, the Villa d’Este was acquired by a Massachusetts-based collector who directed over $80,000 toward mechanical reconditioning, body preservation, and a new leather interior completed in 2022.

Finished in Amaranto over tan hide with its matching-numbers engine preserved, chassis 915902 represents a remarkable convergence of rare Touring Superleggera coachwork, significant Ferrari-adjacent provenance, and documented period competition history. Benefitting from extensive long-term ownership and modern restoration work, this 6C 2500 SS stands ready for premier concours events or international vintage rallies.