In the early 1920s, two legendary names in the world of automobiles, Alfa Romeo and Zagato, collaborated to produce some of the most desirable sports and racing cars of their time. Individually, both companies had achieved iconic status in the rich tapestry of Italian automotive history. Alfa Romeo had earned a reputation for producing thousands of cars with bodies crafted by various coachbuilders, while Zagato had an illustrious history of crafting exquisite bodies for the chassis made by most of the great manufacturers of the world.

In the mid-1920s, the Vittorio Jano began work on the high-performance 6C (sei cilindri); the car that would become arguably the most significant model in Alfa Romeo’s history. With respect to the earlier RL and RM models, it was the 6C that dramatically sharpened Alfa Romeo’s focus on light weight, excellent handling and high power output. The spirit of Jano’s brilliant 6C is found in nearly every production Alfa Romeo through today. Production of the 6C began in early 1927, as the single overhead cam-equipped 1500 Normale. Jano quickly followed that up with the Sport model, featuring a new twin-cam cylinder head. The new model, known as the 6C 1500 Sport was an instant success. The 1500 Mille Miglia Speciale of 1928, saw the first application of a Roots-type supercharger on the twin-cam engine. By 1929 Alfa Romeo refined the formula even further for the 3^rd series with a bump in displacement to 1750c.c. Along with the larger engine; the car was also thoroughly refined to improve build quality, handling and braking. As before, clients could opt for the single cam Touring model, Twin Cam Sport or the supercharged Super Sport.

The debut of the first supercharged Zagato Spiders in 1928, notably driven by Giuseppe Campari, signified Alfa Romeo's domination of Italian sports car racing in the 1930s. Alfa Romeo won the Mille Miglia again the following year with a 6C 1750 Zagato Spider, driven once more by Campari and Ramoni in the 2,000 cc class. The 6C 1750 SS and GS were produced in limited numbers, with fewer than 400 ever built. The balance of outright speed, reliability and ease of service made the 6C 1750 SS the perfect choice for serious competitors, and its racing exploits along earned it the legendary status it enjoys today.

As is common with many pre-war Alfa Romeo sports cars, the earliest ownership history of this car has not been recorded. It was first spotted in the Netherlands, likely during the late 1940s, wearing Dutch registration "VT-34-53" with a Zagato body, as it wears today.

The final chassis allocated for the Series V Gran Sports bore the number 10814406, signifying that our car, chassis 10814400, was among the last ones manufactured. It was constructed during a period when Zagato was transitioning towards a more modern design ethos, displaying an evolution towards a cleaner appearance.

The progressive sophistication is evident in this 6C 1750, as its design shares striking resemblances with Zagato's famous 8C 2300 Spiders produced during the same time frame. Undoubtedly, 10814400 boasts one of the most aesthetically pleasing bodies ever fitted to a 6C 1750 chassis. Featuring a retractable top that seamlessly integrates with the body, a more refined rear deck design, and a sharply raked windscreen, a feature exclusive to the last ten cars built in 1932, this Gran Sport is nothing short of impressive. The car is further distinguished by its 8C-style radiator grille shell and wider trim bands around the headlights.

Following a brief stint with an unknown Swiss owner after its time in the Netherlands, the car was imported to the United States by Bill White of Illinois in the late 1950s. Subsequently, it was acquired by Texas resident Don Dixon. Though the vehicle was in remarkably well-preserved original condition, Mr. Dixon eventually entrusted the renowned Chicago restorer Fran Roxas with restoring the aging Gran Sport. The restoration was completed in 1985, and the car was invited to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance the same year, an event where Alfa Romeo was featured. The freshly restored Gran Sport was awarded a Third in Class, a testament to its remarkable qualities.

Oscar Davis, a collector with a deep passion for pre-war Alfa Romeos, acquired the vehicle a few years later. In 1989, he successfully secured FIA papers for the 6C 1750, allowing it to participate in various events. The car took part in several rallies over the years and won a Best in Class award at the 1996 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. During Mr. Davis's ownership, the Gran Sport was meticulously maintained, including a supercharger overhaul performed by the respected engine builder Chris Leydon.

Brian Brunkhorst, a Wisconsin-based Alfa Romeo enthusiast, acquired the vehicle in due course. In 2003, Mr. Brunkhorst conducted a cosmetic restoration, which included changing the paint color from its original bright red to the elegant deep red hue it currently boasts. The interior was reupholstered in natural brown leather, resulting in a more restrained appearance. The Gran Sport was once again displayed at Pebble Beach in 2005, featured as an exhibit-only entrant in Class E-3: Alfa Romeo Six-Cylinder to 1933. Shortly afterward, the car found a new home with Tom Price, the organizer of prestigious 8C tours. Under Mr. Price's ownership, the Gran Sport was sparingly used and meticulously maintained, ensuring it remained in excellent cosmetic condition.

More recently, the vehicle was cherished by an owner who appreciated driving it as intended. As a frequent participant in organized driving events, he recognized the need for an authentic and well-sorted car. With this objective in mind, he engaged the services of marque specialist Jim Stokes to undertake a comprehensive mechanical restoration, geared towards preparing the 6C 1750 for demanding long-distance rallies. The restoration process involved a thorough inspection, analysis, and meticulous rebuilding of the engine, supercharger, cooling, suspension, and brake systems. A significant improvement in engine performance and reliability was achieved, with the engine now producing 100 hp at 4,500 rpm, surpassing the factory's original claim of 85 hp.

The restoration process was an extensive endeavor, involving an investment of nearly £120,000 and 1,500 hours of dedicated work. A comprehensive file of invoices from Jim Stokes attests to the thoroughness of the undertaken work. Thanks to this exceptional care, the Gran Sport successfully completed the Mille Miglia Storica in 2009 and 2010, achieving a top-30 finish in the second edition. In addition to its European outings, the car participated in the challenging 1000 Millas Sport in 2009, an official FIVA event widely regarded as one of the best driving events in South America. Throughout this period, the Gran Sport has received the necessary maintenance and has been consistently prepared to ensure its status as one of the best-performing 6C 1750s in existence. Acquired by the most recent owner in 2013, the car has been part of a significant private collection. The car has been further sorted and maintained by noted marque experts DL George Coachworks and Motion Products Inc.

Beautifully presented and fully eligible for participation in the world's most prestigious events, this exceptional example offers a rare opportunity to acquire a truly outstanding and proven example of one of Alfa Romeo’s finest ever creations.

Offers welcome and trades considered

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