1949' Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Sport Freccia D’Oro

The Alfa Romeo story began in June 1910 when A.L.F.A. (Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili) was founded in Milan, Italy. Their first car, the 24hp, was a great success and the Alfa name became synonymous with motor racing in the early years. In 1915 Nicola Romeo took over the company and during war time its focus was on military equipment, however, it wanted to build cars. Soon after the very first Alfa Romeo motor vehicle, the Torpedo 20-30hp, was built.

Through until the 1950’s Alfa Romeo was responsible for some of the most exclusive road cars and most successful race cars ever built. Following the Second World War the company was in financial difficulty and it decided a change in direction was necessary to survive, and rather than hand build luxury sporting cars it decided to focus on mass production. Hence, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint was born and the immediate future of Alfa Romeo was secure.

The pre war 6C and 8C Alfa Romeos are amongst the most desirable and sought-after sports racing cars ever built. These cars embody everything one would expect of an Italian thoroughbred from that era. They were an engineering masterpiece and the heart and soul of each and every one ever built was the magnificent Vittorio Jano designed engine.

There were numerous variants of these cars built on different chassis, with many different body styles and mechanical configurations. The sports versions were incredibly fast to drive and had a very successful race history in period.

The 6C and 8C designation referred to ‘6 cylinders’ and ‘8 cylinders’ respectively. The first 6C was built in 1927 and powered by a 1500cc engine. Over the years the engine size grew from the original 1500cc to 1750cc, 1900cc, 2300c, 2500cc and ultimately 3000cc. The last of the 6C’s was built in 1954. Over the years these wonderful cars were bodied by some of the world’s best and most exclusive coachbuilders, including: James Young, Zagato, Touring, Castagna, and Pininfarina. Alfa Romeo also designed and bodied some of their own cars. One such model was the 6C 2500 Sport Freccia d’Oro, or ‘Golden Arrow’ of which 680 examples were built from 1946 through until 1951.

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale the one and only Australian delivered Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Sport Freccia d’Oro. This particular car is noted in the superb three volume book set – Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 – 6C2500 by F. Morlacchi & S. Salvetti as being built on the 10th May 1949 and sold to Hatta Holdings in Leichardt, Sydney on the 12th May 1949. The chassis and engine numbers on the car match what is noted in the book.

The very early history of this Alfa Romeo is not known. The son of who was perhaps the car’s second owner conveyed the following recollections to the current owner during a recent telephone call. “My late father who lived in Cobram in Victoria purchased the Alfa Romeo 6C in the late 1950s’ – probably 1959. He also owned a 1952 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Berlina, a Daimler, then later a Triumph 2000 and a BMW. During Dad’s ownership he had the car repainted cream and the interior re-trimmed in brown leather. In 1977 he traded both Alfa Romeos and the Daimler at Tony Alessi’s Alfa Romeo & Mazda dealership in Albury, NSW.” An Alfa Romeo Club magazine article on file notes that he actually purchased the car in 1957 from Melbourne. The previous owner’s name is stated.

The Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Sport Freccia d’Oro was acquired by Ernie and Joan Stock that same year. Interestingly the Stock’s also purchased the 1952 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Berlina. The Freccia d’Oro was refreshed in Stock’s ownership and he chose to have the seats re-trimmed in beige fabric. They owned both Alfas for many, many years and after Ernie’s passing the 6C 2500 Sport Freccia d’Oro was stored away and put up on blocks. In 2014 the car was sold to the current owners who immediately went about recommissioning it. Within 24 hours the car was running but the new owners wanted to use it so considerable time and effort was put into sorting the car so it could be reliably driven. The car was given an engine out service. The brakes, cooling system (including the radiator), fuel system (including the tank), hydraulics, front suspension, rear shock absorbers and exhaust system were overhauled. It was serviced with all fluids replaced and new plugs fitted. The wheels were refurbished and a new set of Blockley (A6G) tyres were also fitted.

In the last year or so this ‘Golden Arrow’ has been regularly used as its makers intended - it has been driven! The car has been taken to a number of classic car shows, events and Vintage Car Club outings in and around south east Queensland. The car was also displayed at Motorclassica, Australia’s international Concours d’Elegance and classic car show in October 2018.

The current keepers of this Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Sport Freccia d’Oro have decided it’s time to move on to their next project and have made the decision to sell.

You open the massive door (so designed to allow easy access for both front and rear passengers) and slip in behind the wheel. The car had been recently driven and today was a warm day in Brisbane so it should not require the choke to start. Insert the original key (which itself is a work of art!), pump the throttle twice and push the starter and the engine fires immediately and settles into an easy idle. In a matter of minutes the car is warm enough to take out on the road. First impressions are how easy it is to drive. It just goes about its business in a very efficient manner. The car has obviously been well sorted as it glides over a few local speed bumps without any complaint. Once prompted the car pulls strongly through the rev range and the gear change (through the four speed column shift) is smooth and precise. Drive it a little harder and ‘that’ Alfa Romeo pedigree is very obvious! The car handles really well for quite a big car and the brakes pull the car up efficiently.

Inside the car is very original and well patinated. The upholstery is generally in good condition, apart from the interior which is starting to show its age. The dash, steering wheel, instruments and controls are very original and quite a feature of the car. The beautiful original Alfa Romeo gauges look to be in working order and there is a modern water temperature gauge fitted.

The body looks to be in good condition but the paint work is a little tired and there is evidence of touch ups and colour mismatches all over the car. The cream paint work is flaking in places showing a beautiful blue / green colour underneath, which we would assume was the car’s original colour. It’s good to see the big doors are still ‘tight’ and shut smoothly with a crisp thud. Overall the panel gaps are very good. The wheels present like new. Inside the boot there is an original tool kit which is a nice touch.

The car is accompanied by a good history file with numerous receipts and historical information, an original owner’s manual, parts manual and other documentation.

The Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Sport Freccia d’Oro is more than just a sporting saloon and they were raced with some success back in period. In 1949 a Freccia d’Oro finished 12th overall in the Mile Miglia and in 1950 two cars completed the inaugural Carrera Panamericana, finishing an incredible 4th and 8th overall.

So what to do with this car . . . preserve or restore? Or perhaps there is a third option somewhere in between. You can continue to enjoy the car exactly as it presents today. Alternatively, it would be a fabulous car to restore back to its former glory. Or perhaps just repaint it and continue to enjoy it. The choice is yours!

This Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Sport Freccia d’Oro is a very special car and would be a great addition to any classic car collection.

Today the odometer reads 98,590 miles.

Listed Price AUD $229,950