Car & Classic, a U.K.-based online auction site, is set to auction off a rare 1953 Alfa Romeo 1900C Sprint Supergioiello on September 17. This particular Alfa Romeo holds significance as it showcases both coachbuilt bodywork and a strong rallying history.
The Alfa Romeo 1900C Sprint was introduced in 1951 as a coupe variant of the sedan model launched in 1950. Known for its affordability, the 1900 marked a shift away from the exclusive prewar Alfas and aimed to get Italians back on the road as the country was undergoing post-World War II reconstruction.
Italian coachbuilders such as Pininfarina, Zagato, Touring, and Ghia each designed their own unique bodywork for the two-door 1900C Sprint. Among them, Ghia’s design, named Supergioiello (meaning “jewel” in Italian), is particularly sought after. Ghia produced bodywork for a total of 18-20 cars, but only six were completed, according to the auction listing. The Alfa Romeo 1900C Sprint Supergioiello up for auction is believed to be the last one completed, rolling out of the factory in 1953 and delivered to an owner in Spain the following year. Today, it is one of only three surviving examples.
Interestingly, the Alfa Romeo 1900C Sprint Supergioiello has a rich rallying history. Gumersindo Garcia Fernandez, one of the previous owners, used the car as a rally car and competed in the prestigious Monte Carlo Rally of 1955, along with other rally events. Salvador Ros, another subsequent owner, continued to rally the Alfa Romeo between 1958 and 1961, after which the car was retired from competition and kept away from the public eye.
In 1990, the Alfa Romeo resurfaced in the hands of a collector before being passed on to another collector. At some point, it underwent restoration to bring it back to its original factory appearance. Since then, the car has only covered a mere 48 miles, as claimed by the auction house.
The estimated selling price for this unique piece of automotive history is around £640,000, equivalent to approximately $797,000 in current exchange rates. This substantial amount places the Alfa Romeo 1900C Sprint Supergioiello in a league of its own compared to the modern rally cars seen in today’s competitions, which are predominantly winged sedans and hatchbacks.
As car enthusiasts and collectors eagerly anticipate this auction, it serves as a reminder of the rich heritage and timeless appeal of classic Alfa Romeo models. The combination of coachbuilt bodywork, rarity, and a rallying history makes this 1953 Alfa Romeo 1900C Sprint Supergioiello an exceptional and highly desirable piece of automotive art.
