1957 Alfa Romeo 1900C SSZ 'Lusso'

By 1957, the Alfa Romeo 1900 Super Sprint Zagato – or SSZ – had largely fulfilled the mission for which it was conceived. Introduced earlier in the decade as a lightweight, dual-purpose gran turismo, the SSZ combined Alfa Romeo’s advanced 1900 chassis with Zagato’s aerodynamic aluminum coachwork to create one of Europe’s most successful under-twoliter GT cars. As newer designs emerged, Zagato began to reinterpret the SSZ for a different clientele: discerning enthusiasts seeking a more refined and individualized sporting automobile.

The original 1900 SSZ emerged directly from Zagato’s racing experience. Through lightweight aluminum panels, Plexiglas windows, and aerodynamically effective coachwork, Zagato reduced weight and improved performance, allowing the 1900 to challenge rivals including the Fiat 8V and Maserati A6G 2000. These early cars were uncompromising sporting machines, designed for both fast road use and competition. Among the 39 examples built, the final Zagatobodied coupes represented a significant evolution. At the 1957 Geneva Motor Show, Zagato unveiled an SSZ Spider that previewed a new design language – lower, cleaner, and more elegant than the earlier SSZ coupes. Only two Spiders were produced, neither of which is believed to survive, but the design directly inspired the three final SSZ coupes, often referred to as the “Lusso” models.

The transformation was substantial. The aggressive forms of the earlier SSZ gave way to a more sophisticated design featuring a lower nose with a smaller Giulietta-style grille, smoother side treatment, refined rear bodywork, and a more luxurious interior. Most notable was Zagato’s double-bubble roof, originally developed as a practical solution to provide additional headroom without increasing overall height, but which quickly became one of the coachbuilder’s signature designs. In the SSZ Lusso, these features transformed the car from a lightweight competition special into a sophisticated sporting GT, a philosophy later echoed in celebrated Zagato creations including custom bodies for the Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France, Lancia Flaminia Sport, and Aston Martin DB4 GT.

As Michele Marchianò observed in his definitive book Le Zagato: Fiat 8VZ–Alfa 1900 SSZ, these final examples represented a departure from the earlier racing-focused cars: “It was in fact a luxurious Gran Turismo which Zagato finished in 1958 and which today has become a coveted prize by international collectors.”

Completed in May 1957, chassis AR1900C.10593 is one of only three SSZ Lusso coupes produced and the final Zagato-bodied Alfa Romeo 1900 built. Uniquely, it is believed to be the only example completed with a floor-shift gearbox rather than the more common column-mounted arrangement.

While its earliest history is not fully documented, the car is believed to have been used briefly by Elio Zagato before being exported to France. It was later discovered by noted Italian automotive historian, author, collector, and dealer Rob de la Rive Box, leading to its acquisition by Peter Kaus in 1971.

For many years, 10593 was a centerpiece of Kaus’ renowned Rosso Bianco Collection in Aschaffenburg, Germany, displayed alongside significant Zagatobodied Alfa Romeos including an SVZ, SZ, TZ, and TZ2. In 1977, it passed to Dr. Paul Schouwenberg of the Netherlands before being imported to California in 2000, where it joined the collections of Craig Davis, Dennis Birkheimer, and Mark Gessler.

Under Gessler’s ownership, the SSZ was enjoyed as intended, participating in six editions of the 1000 Miglia retrospective, as well as the California Mille, Colorado Grand, and other historic rallies. Members of the Zagato family, including Andrea and Marella Rivolta Zagato, as well as Stellantis design executive Ralph Gilles, drove the car on the 1000 Miglia multiple times.

Acquired by its current owner in 2018, the SSZ underwent an extensive concours-quality restoration. The aluminum bodywork was restored by Beckman Metal Works of Costa Mesa, California, and refinished in an elegant period-correct shade of Amaranto (Amaranth). The interior was retrimmed in two-tone leather by Westminster Auto Upholstery, while the suspension, braking system, and mechanical components were rebuilt using original and new-old-stock components wherever possible. During restoration, the car was fitted with a rebuilt tipo 1306 engine incorporating a TI-specification cylinder head for improved performance and drivability. Importantly, it is accompanied by its correct-type tipo 1308 engine, no. 10508, and spare gearbox, allowing a future owner the option of returning it to its original mechanical specification.

Following completion, the SSZ Lusso debuted at the 2019 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® during the Zagato Centenary celebration. Since then, it has earned additional honors, including Best of Show Postwar and the ArtCenter Award at the San Marino Motor Classic, as well as Participant’s Choice at the AROC National Convention.

As the last of just three SSZ Lusso coupes built, 10593 represents a pivotal moment in Zagato’s history, marking the transition from competition-focused lightweight construction toward the creation of highly individualized sporting automobiles for connoisseurs. The two other surviving Lusso coupes have remained fixtures in significant California collections for decades, underscoring just how rarely these exceptional Zagatos are offered publicly.

Combining exceptional provenance, exquisite double-bubble Zagato coachwork, and broad eligibility for the world’s most exclusive driving events and concours celebrations, this SSZ presents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most distinctive Alfa Romeos of the 1950s – a brilliant expression of the artistry, innovation, and individuality that define Carrozzeria Zagato.