1932 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Series V Gran Sport Roadster by Figoni

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Time for a rare car, representing a montage of historical figures. The hero of this story must be Vittorio Jano, creator of the sensational engine at the heart of this Alfa. Following the 6C (six-cylinder) 1500, the new 1750 powerplant was introduced in 1929, and it represented less of an evolution than a leap forward. Nestled in the front of a lightweight, flexible chassis, this engine propelled the car to wins at every race it entered during its first year out. Piloted by the likes of Tazio Nuvolari, Giuseppe Campari, and drivers at Scuderia Ferrari, the 6C 1750 could do no wrong on the track. The Gran Sport variant was even faster, wearing a Roots supercharger. But it wasn’t only engineers and celebrity race drivers that flourished when the new Alfa arrived – certain coachbuilders cemented their fame once allowed to clothe its chassis. Bodies by Zagato, Touring, and James Young were prominently offered. Today’s example, represented by Broad Arrow for $1.45 million, was bodied by Figoni in Paris before he was associated with Falaschi. Heavily researched with few breaks in its provenance, this rare car was found for us by Araknid78 – thanks!

The jewel of an engine was first introduced in single overhead cam form, then as a twin-cam. As noted, a supercharger was available, and came standard on the Super Sport and Gran Sport versions. Output is about 85 bhp, and top speed is 100 mph. The gearbox is a four-speed manual, with the shift lever operating through a gate. This car has been thoroughly restored, retains its original engine, and is ready for its new owner – who hopefully will drive it. Notably, as one of the “Paris Alfas”, the spelling on its ID plates is “Grand Sport” – with a “d”; the language on the knockoffs is French; and the radiator badge reads “Alfa Romeo Paris”.

The interior is every bit as lovely as the engine bay, with its polished wood dash, supple leather seating, even leather door panels equipped with large map pockets. We’re looking at a right-hand drive car of course, but more interesting is the pedal arrangement, with the throttle in the center, between the brake and clutch. The gauge set includes a clock situated in front of the passenger, and a St. Christopher medal to the left of that. St. Christopher, patron saint of safety, often rides in race cars, protecting drivers and passengers.

The bodywork is particularly interesting, crafted by Giuseppe Figoni in his earliest days of coachbuilding. Figoni established his carrosserie shortly after returning from WWI, and was known for spare, functional styling – less artistic than practical. Later designs began to show some flair, with two-tone paint a trademark feature. This Alfa comes from that less ascetic period, as Figoni was beginning to gain confidence. Of course, far more spectacular designs lay in wait after Figoni partnered with Falaschi – such as the Talbot Lago Teardrop Coupe and this extravagant Delahaye. Too, if one is shopping for a 6C 1750, a Zagato-bodied car will be more desirable though likely 50% to 75% more expensive. What do you think about the looks of this Alfa 6C 1750 roadster?

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Comments

  1. Driveinstile

    This is beautiful Michelle. One thing I truly appreciate about Barnfinds is you all have something different to bring to the table. Where else do you go from looking at a beautiful rare Alfa Romeo ( with the thottle pedal in the center, that would seriously trip me up!!!) To a ’66 Deuce and a Quarter, A Schwinn, a Peterbuilt a locomotive……. Well, you get my point, I really enjoy the diversity. Back to this Alfa, not only is the exterior beautiful but the interior really caught my eye. Looks at those beautifully done seats. This is an amazing car.

    Like 11
    • Nevadahalfrack NevadahalfrackMember

      Very well said and 100% agree in all respects.
      BF carries on in many respects what the slick paper magazines initiated with the same caliber of writers and features.

      Like 7
  2. bobhess bobhessMember

    To say this is a rare car is an understatement, typical of a lot of the BF cars. Digging out the historys must be a mind boggling chore.

    Like 5
    • Michelle RandAuthor

      It may be a one-of-one. Alfa made between 230 and 250 Gran Sports over the years, but I was unable to find another bodied by Figoni.

      Like 2
  3. Martin Horrocks

    Lovely car and excellent write up as usual, Michelle. I think Falaschi was mainly a business manager, so if Figoni got more “flashy” with the years, it probably reflected changing fashion and technical advance in metal forming, curved glass etc.

    Jano was a genius twice forced out to make way for much lesser men. At Alfa, he was displaced by Ricart, so went to Lancia steering the company product after the sudden death of Vittorio Lancia. The great Lancia period of Aurelia B20, Lancia D24 and D50 owed everything to Jano.

    But Fessia replaced Jano at Lancia in 1956 and the better man went to Ferrari, where he refined the Colombo V12 way beyond its original concept. Great CV’ s are not always appreciated.

    Like 5
    • Michelle RandAuthor

      Yes, thanks Martin. I think some of these folks acted temperamentally and impetuously, provoked by dislike of some other personality, with their paths to new situations eased by the fact that everyone knew everyone else. The way I have come to view this stew is that generally, if you are a fan of vintage Italian iron, we are all the better off for their gyrations among different firms.

      Like 2
      • hat of pork

        Reminiscent of other communities I have known!

        Like 0
  4. Johndavid F.

    PregO! Please keep me Updayted on this 🇮🇹 gF

    Like 1
  5. CVPantherMember

    Great write-up, Michelle. Most educational and a gorgeous car.

    Like 2
  6. jwaltb

    A beautiful car and your usual terrific writeup, Michelle. I think the RHD and pedal arrangement would be too much for me, so I’ll hold on to my $1.45 million for now…

    Like 2
  7. MikeH

    “We’re looking at a right hand drive car of course”. Why? It’s an Italian car sold(?) and bodied in France.

    Like 1
    • Michelle RandAuthor

      I tried to figure that out, and it remains a mystery. Oh, and the “of course” only means that it’s obvious from the photos…. not that I knew why it was RHD.

      Like 1
  8. Bart Simpson

    I have been looking in the wrong barns.

    Like 2
  9. TinBox

    RHD while driving on the right was the norm in Europe, up until as late as the early fifties for some brands – Aurelia B20’s were one of the last that I’m aware of, as were center throttles before the war. It really messes w the brain when the car also has a flipped shift pattern like the 2.9 Alfa’s.
    Alfa made abt a dozen cars in Paris as an end run around import taxes, and there are at least two Figoni bodied 6C’s – the other is a black with white aero styled coupe, as well as a Parisian Figoni 8C2300

    Like 1

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