1948 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Freccia d’Oro

Like most manufacturers after World War II, Alfa Romeo had to rebuild factories and produce a range of cars that would be economically viable to both manufacturer and public. Already a suitable new engine existed in the 2.5-liter six-cylinder of 1939, basically an enlarged version of the previous 2.3-liter unit, which powered the 6C 2500 Sport and Super Sport chassis of the same year; it was natural, therefore, to continue with these basic models when production resumed post-war. The Sport’s twin-carburetor 2,443 cc engine now produced 90 bhp at 4,600 rpm while the short chassis Super Sport’s three-carburetor version boasted 104 bhp at 4,800 rpm; both these 6C 2500 chassis featured independent coil spring suspension all round and specially cooled hydraulic brakes, and notably all were right-hand drive with column gear change.

For the first time after the war Alfa Romeo also offered its own coachwork on the 6C 2500. Known as the Freccia d’Oro, or Golden Arrow, this handsome two-door saloon, based on the Sport chassis, was reminiscent of the pre-war 8C 2900 Coupe by Touring which was itself evolved from the 6C 2300B Mille Miglia Coupe. The Freccia d’Oro’s interior was notable for its three seater bench seat in the front, with room for two in the rear, as well as its artistically styled dashboard and unusually-shaped controls. Its 90bhp offered 96mph performance to match its rakish good looks, allied to excellent roadholding from the all-independent suspension, and the model enjoyed a good competition record. Production ended in 1953 with less than 2,200 6C 2500 variants built.

The Freccia d’Oro pictured here was purchased by the present owner in 1986 (having been in its previous ownership since 1959) and has since been the subject of a complete and meticulous restoration from the chassis up. The engine and transmission have been totally rebuilt and are described as being excellent, the bodywork was taken down to the bare metal and resprayed, and the car has been retrimmed throughout.

{analysis} Supplied with this Alfa Romeo are a photo album cataloguing each stage of the rebuild as well as invoices for approximately $72,000.

This car stopped short of its reserve on 24 January 1995 at the Coys Royal Horticultural Halls auction, failing to find a new home at a high bid of $35,200.

The market in the US is limited. Lacking the visual appeals of the 6C 2500s bodied by Touring and Pininfarina, and with the marginal performance of the 90 bhp engine, only a dedicated Alfisti will search out this model. – ED.
{/analysis}