Few automobiles combine pre-war elegance, technical sophistication and historical significance quite like the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Sport. Introduced in 1939 as the final evolution of Vittorio Jano’s celebrated six-cylinder lineage, the 6C 2500 represented the pinnacle of Alfa Romeo’s hand-built grand touring tradition and would ultimately become one of the marque’s most desirable creations.
Powered by Alfa Romeo’s refined 2.5-litre inline six-cylinder engine, the 6C 2500 was among the fastest and most advanced road cars of its generation. Capable of approaching 160 km/h, it combined impressive performance with four-wheel independent suspension, powerful braking and remarkably light, precise controls. Even by modern standards, the driving experience remains exceptionally usable, allowing the car to travel comfortably at sustained cruising speeds while retaining the unmistakable character of a great pre-war Alfa Romeo.
Chassis 915128 is one of only five 6C 2500 Sport Cabriolets constructed by Carrozzeria Touring during the Second World War. At the time, Touring was required by the Italian authorities to operate under the Italianised name “Stabilimenti Turinga”, and only a very small number of automobiles are known to have carried this exceptionally rare designation.
Its coachwork is an outstanding demonstration of Touring’s celebrated design philosophy. The long bonnet, flowing wings and restrained proportions create an elegant transition between pre-war formality and the cleaner, more modern styling that would define the post-war era. Few open automobiles possess such balance, presence and purity of line.
Four of the five Sport Cabriolets were reportedly delivered to German military officers stationed in Italy. This particular example was taken into the care of Wehrmacht Colonel Von Carnap. Following the end of the war, the car was abandoned and is believed to have subsequently travelled to the United States with American forces.
Its documented history resumes in Texas in 1960, when it was owned by Donald Vesley. Following Vesley’s ownership, the Alfa Romeo passed through the hands of several collectors before being acquired by Paul Myers in 1989.
Under Myers’ ownership, the car underwent a comprehensive restoration during the early 1990s. Mechanical work was entrusted to the highly respected Phil Reilly & Co., while the coachwork was restored by Moal Coachworks, two renowned California specialists recognised for preparing automobiles to the highest concours standards.
The quality of this restoration was confirmed through an exceptional series of international awards. The car received the CCCA Senior National First Prize in the Primary Division at the 1999 Spring Grand Classic, was named Most Elegant Sports Car at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in 2005 and achieved Best in Class at the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance in 2008. These results are particularly remarkable considering that the restoration was already approaching two decades old at the time.
During this period, the Alfa Romeo was also displayed at “The Candy Store”, the celebrated private clubhouse and storage facility for significant collector automobiles in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The car returned to Europe in 2013, where its owner elected to reinstate its original blue exterior colour. It subsequently received new paintwork, a correctly retrimmed interior and a new hood, while the mechanical components were serviced and repaired wherever necessary.
In recognition of its rarity and importance, chassis 915128 was invited to participate in the exclusive Concours d’Elegance Kyoto in Japan in 2019.
In 2023, the bodywork was once again refinished to concours standard by Classic Skills in the Netherlands, a respected restoration company specialising in historically significant automobiles. Today, the car presents in superb restored condition, combining outstanding provenance with exceptional rarity and genuine usability.
As one of only five examples produced, and one of the very few Alfa Romeos carrying the wartime “Turinga” designation, chassis 915128 represents a remarkable opportunity to acquire one of the most exclusive coachbuilt Alfa Romeos of its era.
With its award-winning history, elegant Touring coachwork and eligibility for many of the world’s most prestigious historic motoring events – including, subject to organiser approval, the Mille Miglia – this exceptional 6C 2500 Sport Cabriolet would form a distinguished centrepiece within any important international collection.
