Presented is a fascinating pre-war Alfa Romeo, underpinned by the final 6C 2500 Turismo chassis built in 1939. Its rare Ministeriale six/seven-seater coachwork was only built for 1939-1940 and its coachwork was designed and built by Alfa’s own ‘Carrozzeria Alfa Romeo’. Only 81 examples of this body-style were completed. It is believed that two examples remain in existence and this is the the only roadworthy example. It boasts details synonymous with early 6C 2500s, including a ladder-type chassis, floor-shift transmission, and an early 6C 2500 engine.

Records from the P.R.A. note that the car was first registered on 2 January 1940 and Alfa Romeo historians, including Luigi Fusi, claim chassis number 914.073 was the last chassis produced for the 1939 calendar year. It is mated to its original engine, no. 923.243, which was the first engine produced in 1940 and would have been fitted just a day prior to the car being registered.

While its exact ownership during the war is unknown, the Alfa was listed by the P.R.A. as being registered in Milan in 1946. There, it was owned by Gian Antonio Cornaggia Medici Castiglioni – a descendant of the Medici family. He sold it on to Comptoir International, a company based in Rome, later in 1946. The Alfa Romeo was sold in December 1950 to Princess Donna Laura dei Principi Ruspoli, who was residing in Rome at the time. She passed away in 1960, but her family retained the car for another decade.

In 1970, chassis no. 914.073 was sold to Fernando Cartocci who sold it four years later to his nephew. It remained in that family for a remarkable 48 years until 2018 when it was acquired by the current Dutch collector. During long-term ownership by the same Italian family, the car is said to have been used in over 80 films, including Federico Fellini’s L’intervista , Malena starring Monica Belluci and music by Ennio Morricone, Fade to Black starring Christopher Walken and most notably for a brief appearance in The Last Emperor , which swept the 60th Academy Awards in 1988, winning all nine Oscars that it was nominated for, including Best Picture. In addition, the car is shown in numerous other well-known films and television series in Italy such as de Gasperi , Trilussa and Edda .

Today, the car remains in remarkably original condition throughout, having never been fully restored. Its paintwork has been redone over the course of its life, and the seat upholstery, door panels, and roof lining were renewed about three years ago. However, many other parts of the interior, including the carpets, remain untouched. The car has many rare and original details, such as the S.I.A.T.A suspension system, Carello headlights and Fergat wheel covers.

This 6C 2500 is a fascinating automobile in all regards. Boasting known history from 1946, it has led a colourful life of having been consistently used, including on the silver screen, yet never fully restored. Importantly, it is accompanied by its original Libretto from its time in Rome, original Roma number plates (Roma 142698), a FIVA card, and is remarkably Mille Miglia eligible. An incredible addition to any collection, this 6C 2500 is ready for its next adventure.