Often called “The Last Great Alfa,” the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 represented the end of a long line of six-cylinder Alfa Romeos that began in 1928 with the 6C 1500. The 6C 2500 was introduced in 1938 and would be built until 1952. The model spanned two radically different eras for Alfa Romeo, from the Pre-War time of large, exclusive, hand-built machines made in relatively limited numbers to the smaller, more accessible sports cars that would emerge in the years following cessation of the conflict.

In creating the 6C 2500, Alfa Romeo retained the 6C 2300’s independently sprung suspension while upgrading the engine. Bruno Treviso redesigned the classic straight six-cylinder engine, increasing the cylinder bore by two millimeters for a 2.5-liter displacement as well as improving the cylinder head for enhanced aspiration and increased compression. In the case of the car offered here, these improvements were combined with the more desirable Super Sport, or “SS,” chassis, creating among the most powerful and sought after configurations ever offered by Alfa Romeo.

One of these discerning customers was Giorgio Da Lisca fu Bandino (Possidente), who purchased this 6C 2500 Super Sport Cabriolet for 4,400,000 Lire on 15 April 1949, taking delivery at his home in Vago, Verona, Italy. Ownership then passed to Banchio Michele fu Felice Domenico of Via Carmelitani Scalzi 11, Verona on 19 December 1954. Domenico kept the Alfa for about five years before selling it to Cipriani Giancarlo e Attilio Arvedi, students residing in Verona, who would go on to cherish the car for the next 52 years. In March 2011, the car was sold to Carmelo Digrandi of Milano before passing to preeminent Alfa Romeo historian Raoul San Giorgi who extensively examined the car and reported it as retaining its original engine and major mechanical components. The car was then acquired by the consigning private collection, which embarked on a concours restoration.

Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance-winning Rare Classics Restorations of Boca Raton, Florida was commissioned to perform the work beginning with a full disassembly and stripping of the body to bare metal. Previous modifications and slight areas of corrosion were mended for an absolutely straight product before reassembly. The car’s drivetrain, namely its numbers-matching 2.5-liter engine and trio of Weber carburetors, were likewise disassembled, documented, and carefully rebuilt. Rare Classics’ comprehensive work is immediately evident in the engine bay, with correct hardware, wiring, fasteners, and factory finishes found throughout.

To ensure chassis 915683 would stand prominently even among other 6C Cabriolets, great care was taken in choosing the car’s striking finish of Grigio Chiaro Metallic. The light color accentuates both Pinin Farina’s iconic design and the incredible work performed by Rare Classics. Opening the door with its elegantly recessed door handle reveals a sumptuous bench seat trimmed in dark blue Touranil Vintage Leather. The crisp, polished instruments and amber-hued control knobs are complemented by light blue, square-weave carpet for a period finish, while a dark blue Happich canvas soft-top completes the stunning presentation.

After spending its first 70 years in the same region of the Italian Alps, this 1949 6C 2500 Super Sport Cabriolet, now arguably the best example offered for public sale, will be equally at home on any concours green or hugging the curves of the Italian countryside.