• A beautiful, open-top example of “the Last Great Alfa;” one of 680 produced post-WWII
• Delivered new via Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Stunning blue over a red interior with blue cabriolet top
• Benefits from nearly $176,000 in mechanical work completed 2017-2020
• Rides on chrome wire wheels with Alfa Romeo two-ear spinners; accompanied by matching spare.

The Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 is not merely a magnificent sport touring car—although it is, of course, renowned for its performance by Alfisti worldwide. Often called “The Last Great Alfa,” the model 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; it spanned two radically different eras for Alfa Romeo, from the pre-World War II time of large, exclusive, and hand-built machines made in relatively limited numbers to the smaller, more modern, and more accessible sports cars that would emerge in the years following the 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 engine, increasing the cylinder bore by 2 millimeters for a 2.5-liter displacement, improving the cylinder head for improved aspiration and increased compression. These improvements, along with a better fuel feed, helped the 6C 2500 become the first Alfa Romeo to reach 100 mph. The Sport configuration, with its lightweight bodywork, boasts a respectable 95 brake horsepower.

Of course, these cars offered style and performance in equal measure. During its production run, the 6C 2500’s traditional ladder frame was clothed by the most famous carrozzeria of the time—Touring, Bertone, Zagato, and of course, Pinin Farina. It is that latter coachbuilder that was responsible for this striking 1948 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Sport Cabriolet.

One of only 680 6C 2500s built in postwar production, this car’s chassis was completed 10 October 1946, according to the chassis registry in Angelo Tito Anselmi’s Alfa Romeo 6C (a copy of which accompanies the sale). It apparently took some time for Pinin Farina to complete the bodywork, and the car not ready for delivery until 30 May 1947. An export model, it was shipped to Argentina and sold via that nation’s cosmopolitan capital city of Buenos Aires.

The globetrotting car’s subsequent history is unknown, but at some point it clearly benefitted from a restoration that saw it finished in its present blue. The blue dashboard carries this rich exterior color into the finely detailed cabin, which features a “banjo” steering wheel, a column shifter for three-speed manual transmission, and wood trim. Dark red leather upholstery provides a dramatic contrast, and the blue cabriolet top stows beneath a dark red top boot cover when not in use. Fitting for a car with the 6C 2500’s sporting pedigree, it rides on chromed wire knock-off wheels with Alfa Romeo-branded two-ear “spinners.” A fifth, spare, wire wheel is stored in the trunk.

More recently, it has benefitted from nearly $176,000 in mechanical service carried out from 2017-2020. The scope of the work performed spanned powertrain and driveline components, including an overhaul of the engine and transmission, plus rebuilds of ancillaries such as the carburetor, as well as suspension and brakes—in short, everything necessary to ensure that this Alfa Romeo performs as it should. Invoices detailing the work performed accompany the sale.

The Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 represents a significant moment in the history of one of motoring’s most storied marques, representing the very best and most advanced evolution of its grand prewar offerings. With its beautiful Pinin Farina bodywork, this rare 6C 2500 Sport Cabriolet would make for a most rewarding acquisition. To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/hf21.