1957 Alfa Romeo 1900 CSS by Touring
Overview
Produced from 1950 to 1959, the 1900 was Alfa Romeo’s first post-war production model, as well as its first production car made without a separate chassis and produced in left-hand drive configuration. Sold under the tagline "the family car that wins races", the 1900 was instrumental in laying the foundation for the Italian marque's success in the coming decades.
This 1957 Alfa Romeo 1900 CSS Touring Superleggera represents a fine example of one of Alfa Romeo’s earliest production vehicles. Reportedly 1 of 610 CSS Touring Superleggera examples originally produced for its model year, it touts further exclusivity belonging to a finite number believed to be roadworthy in the present day, along with a rare factory original 5-speed, floor-mounted manual transmission.
Chassis no. AR10459, according to Alfa Romeo’s records, was originally made for the European market in 1957, before its discovery in the United States in Detroit, Michigan, sometime in 2014. From there, it underwent a no-expense-spared, exhaustive restoration process that took over 10 years to bring it to its present aesthetic and mechanical state. Extensive documentation and a detailed summary of all the restoration work since 2016 shine light on every step taken to bring this Alfa back to its prime, with all mechanical assembly of the car stated to have been performed by California-based Alfa Romeo specialist, Alfa Italia.
Highlights include the full removal of the handcrafted aluminum body shell from the steel “birdcage” chassis, refinishing it in period-correct Argento Chiaro Metallizzato, with the roof section in contrasting Rosso Scuro. The chassis itself was sandblasted and underwent rust repair, before it received a fresh application of satin black over red oxide paint (per the car’s original specification).
A correct type 1308 engine was sourced and rebuilt by a specialist workshop in California, which included a pair of rebuilt Solex C40Pii carburetors. The manual transmission was also rebuilt, which included the installation of new bearings, synchros, and a restored clutch. Further drivetrain work includes the installation of classic Koni shock absorbers all around, refurbishment of all major suspension and brake system components, alongside the installation of carbon brake lines with a new master cylinder. All aluminum-rim ‘Borrani’ wheels were refurbished and fitted with new stainless steel spokes, with correct details, and fitted with new Michelin tires.
For the interior, a full leather upholstery refurbishment was performed, alongside the installation of rebuilt seats (with correct seat adjustment rails), fresh period-matching wool carpeting with ‘Touring Superleggera’ details, grey wool headliner, period-correct Nardi wood-trimmed steering wheel, and rebuilt instrument gauges.
The car is stated to have only accumulated test mileage (~100 miles) since the completion of its restoration. Seller’s Disclosure, a key, service records, tool kit, and restoration documentation are included with the sale of this Alfa Romeo.
Features & Options
- Reportedly 1 of 610 Alfa Romeo CSS Touring Superleggera models originally produced for 1957, 1 of 150 present 'surviving’ examples
- Rare, factory 5-Speed floor-mounted manual transmission
Exterior:
- Chrome external front and rear bumpers
- Chrome triangular ‘Alfa Romeo’ grille
- Chrome headlight surrounding trim
- Chrome-finished aluminium 400mm ‘Borrani’ wheels w/stainless steel spokes
Interior
- Red leather upholstery
- Black leather instrument panel
Modifications
- Rebuilt 1308-type engine w/Solex C40Pii Carburetors
- Sandblasted ‘Birdcage’ support chassis
- Argento Chiaro Metallizzato wRosso Scuro Roof body respray
- Koni ‘classic’ shock absorbers
- Carbon brake lines
- Custom exhaust system
- Period-Correct Reproduction 1900-series wiring harness
- Period-Correct Carello headlight, marker light, and taillight lenses
- Nardi Wood Trimmed Steering Wheel (Period Correct)
- Rebuilt seats
- Wool interior carpeting w/'Touring Superleggera' details
- Refurbished grey wool headliner
- Replacement windshield, wiper arms and blades
Service Records
- Clean title history
- Seller’s Disclosure
- Restoration summary and associated invoices
The seller reports the current set of tires have only accumulated test mileage since their installation.
Provided records highlight the following work performed:
January 28, 2022, Joe’s Speedometer, CA
- Speedometer and tachometer repaired, calibrated
December 2020, Morse Muffler, CA
- Custom exhaust system fabricated and installed
August 23, 2019 at Alfa Italia Inc, CA
- Transmission rebuilt - new bearing, synchros installed, clutch fully restored
- Suspension components installed
January 10, 2018, Valley Wire Wheel Service, CA
- Wheels refurbished
- Tires replaced, mounted and balanced
March 25, 2016 at White Post Restorations, VA
- Wheel cylinders rebuilt
September 2015, Mark’s Automotive Inc, FL
- Solex C40Pii Carburetors rebuilt
Import Auto Parts Machine Shop, Santa Barbara, CA
- Engine rebuilt
*See Full Restoration Summary and Invoices Attached for Further Detail
Ownership History & Provenance
The provided documentation from the Alfa Romeo Documentation Center states chassis no. AR10459 was originally manufactured on May 29, 1957 and sold new to an Alfa Romeo dealership in Lugano, Switzerland. Provided information from the seller states that this Alfa Romeo was located in Detroit, Michigan, sometime in 2014 (with the original engine missing) before it underwent a 10-year restoration to its present state. This Alfa Romeo is currently located with the seller in California.
Known Shortcomings
Sotheby's Motorsport presents this auction in partnership with the seller. This 1957 Alfa Romeo 1900 shows wear consistent with its age, low indicated mileage, and restored condition according to a Seller's Disclosure. Please review the entire document by clicking "Seller's Disclosure" above.
- The seller states this car is not equipped with air conditioning, and some scratches are present on the side windows (consistent with 60+ years of regular wear)
Please click the “Contact Seller” button to reach out with any condition-specific questions. This car is sold where-is, as-is, and bidder is responsible for all due diligence regarding vehicle condition.
Items included in the Sale
- Key
- Service records from current ownership
- Photos from prior refurbishment or restoration
- Tool kit (Battani jack w/cap and sticker)
- Spare wheel