1932 ALFA ROMEO 6C 1750GS SPIDER - MOTORCLASSICA BEST IN - JUST CARS

1932 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750GS Spider - Motorclassica Best in Show 2018

A surprisingly long-lived nameplate in Alfa Romeo history, the 6C was produced from 1927 to 1954.

A fast touring car in the Italian style, the 6C was initially powered by a 1.5-litre straight six engine, but ever-larger versions would be added, culminating with a 3.0-litre version after WWII.

Offered in SOHC, DOHC, single carb, dual carb and even supercharged form, there was a 6C engine configuration to suit most tastes, but a 4-speed manual transmission was a constant.

Like most high-priced cars of the period, the 6C was produced in chassis form only, so an array of body styles could be added, including exotic 2-door tourers and spiders from Italian carrozzeria like Touring and Zagato.

The 6C 1750 debuted in 1929 with a 1752cc version of the straight six, which could be had in Turismo, Sport, Gran Turismo, Super Sport or Gran Sport, like the car pictured.

In 1932, Grand Sport (GS) specification denoted a DOHC six with a single carburettor and standard Roots supercharger, producing 85hp (63kW) and top speed of around 145km/h – a very impressive level of performance for the time.

Estimates on 6C 1750 GS production numbers vary, but it’s believed this particular car is one of 257 produced with a supercharger. Most survivors today are worth $1+ million in restored condition.

This 6C 1750 GS still wears its original aluminium spider bodywork by Zagato, which included a “disappearing top” for a more rakish look with the hood down.

The original owner was Buddy Featherstonehaugh, an English jazz musician who also raced Alfa Romeos in the early 1930s.

The car resided in the UK until after World War II, before finding a home in New Zealand. A full restoration commenced there in 2002 and was only completed in early 2018.

Described as still driving brilliantly despite its 80+ year age, the owner was planning to take this 6C on road trips in the USA, and possibly even the modern Mille Miglia in Italy.