1955 | Alfa Romeo 1900 C Super Sprint Touring

History of the Alfa Romeo 1900 CSS Touring

The Alfa Romeo 1900 CSS Touring is one of the most iconic vehicles in Italian automotive history. Combining advanced engineering, striking design, and sporty performance, the 1900 CSS—"C" standing for "Corto" (short wheelbase) and "SS" for "Super Sprint"—achieved classic status, particularly in its Touring variant.

The Alfa Romeo 1900 CSS was designed by the renowned Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, with its design attributed to Carlo Felice Bianchi Anderloni, Touring's chief designer. It employed the innovative Superleggera lightweight construction technique, featuring a framework of steel tubes covered with an aluminum outer skin. This method allowed for a combination of low vehicle weight and high stability. The vehicle’s design is characterized by timeless elegance and aerodynamic contours. Its flowing lines, sleek silhouette, and the iconic Alfa Romeo grille immediately make it recognizable. The gently sloping rear adds a sporty touch to the car's overall appearance.

The 1900 CSS was powered by a 1.9-liter inline four-cylinder engine delivering 115 horsepower in the Sprint Speciale version. Featuring dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), the engine was renowned for its reliability and performance. This setup allowed the Alfa Romeo 1900 CSS to achieve a top speed of up to 190 km/h, an impressive feat for the 1950s.

The chassis was also advanced for its time. The car featured independent front suspension and a sturdy rear live axle, providing a balanced ride and good handling. This made the Alfa Romeo popular not only as a road car but also in motorsport. The model participated successfully in numerous racing events, including the legendary Mille Miglia and Targa Florio. Its agile handling and powerful engine enabled the coupe to compete against strong rivals, earning it many victories.

The interior of the Alfa Romeo 1900 CSS was both luxurious and sporty for its era. High-quality materials adorned the cabin, and the dashboard featured classic round instruments.

Description of the Alfa Romeo 1900 CSS Touring - SSC588

The Alfa Romeo 1900 CSS (Coupe Sprint Speciale) offered here belongs to the sought-after second series. Due to its production year, this vehicle is eligible to participate in the legendary Mille Miglia.

What makes this Alfa Romeo even more desirable is its fascinating history. Originally delivered to Portugal, the car has remained with its first owner ever since—a true rarity! The original Portuguese documents, breathing the charm of the past, are, of course, included. Likely repainted in its original color scheme during the 1970s, this iconic Alfa Romeo boasts a matching-numbers engine, which speaks for itself. The interior reflects its storied past, featuring an elegant and authentic design that still exudes an irresistible charm today.

For over 30 years, this coupe was preserved and laid to rest until it was rediscovered by an Alfa Romeo collector and transported to Germany. It was then entrusted to the Alfa Romeo specialist Scuderia Sportiva Servizio (formerly Alfa Classic Center) in Dortmund. Recently, the car underwent fresh maintenance, including an overhaul of the braking system and inspections and adjustments to the engine, ignition, and carburetor. The bodywork and underbody appear rust-free as far as visible. All damage from its long storage has been rectified, and this unique Alfa is ready for new adventures. In short, this is a truly one-of-a-kind time capsule with an exceptional history, awaiting its next owner.

This 1900 CSS includes the original Portuguese registration documents ("Livrete")—a true treasure for any collector or Alfa Romeo enthusiast. Given its history, along with its current fantastic and largely original condition, it would be difficult to find a comparable vehicle on the market. This is a piece of history that not only impresses with its engineering but also with the passion evident in every detail. It is more than just a car—it is a dream brought to life on four wheels.

Summary

The Alfa Romeo 1900 CSS Touring embodies the values Alfa Romeo is known for: sporty elegance, technical innovation, and a close connection to motorsport. As one of the most beautiful coupes of the 1950s, the 1900 CSS Touring remains a highly sought-after collector’s item and a symbol of Italian automotive artistry. Its combination of performance, design, and history secures its special place in the world of classic cars.

Here’s an interesting anecdote: In 1954, an Alfa Romeo 1900C Super Sprint cost around 31,000 Deutschmarks in Germany—approximately 2,000 more than the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing.

Future servicing and maintenance can be carried out by us or our sister company in Dortmund (formerly Alfa Classic Center) at favorable rates.

Additional Information

We are selling this Alfa Romeo on behalf of its owner (brokerage). This offer is non-binding, and prior sale is reserved. We provide assistance with registration in Germany. If needed, we can arrange for a new appraisal. Transportation within Europe is possible in an enclosed trailer, and we can facilitate container shipping for the rest of the world.

This classic is available at our workshop in 57548 Kirchen/Sieg, Jungenthaler Str. 1a. Here you will find—by appointment only—a selection of 80 historically significant and sporty vehicles. For more information about our services and vehicle inventory, please visit www.scuderia-sportiva-colonia.com.

If everything you’ve read and seen appeals to you and you wish to view the car, please arrange an appointment! While spontaneous visits are always welcome, we cannot guarantee an in-depth viewing of individual vehicles without prior notice. The office is not permanently staffed.