Description
The Alfa Romeo 2600, produced between 1962 and 1968, represents the marque’s last large saloon and coupé to adopt a straight-six engine with dual overhead camshafts, faithful to the mechanical tradition that built Alfa Romeo’s reputation. Offered in several versions – Berlina, Sprint and Spider – it embodied the refinement, power and elegance of the Milanese firm in the early 1960s. The second series, introduced from 1964, benefited from various improvements: engine optimisation, disc brakes on all four wheels, stiffer suspensions, as well as subtle aesthetic adjustments. Produced in limited numbers, it was aimed above all at connoisseurs, captivated by its 2, 584 cm³ straight-six developing 145 hp at 5, 900 rpm, paired with a five-speed manual and capable of reaching 200 km/ h in sovereign comfort.
The exemplar presented here belongs to this second series. Its first owner would have been engineer Carlo Chiti, iconic figure of Italian motorsport and artisan of Alfa Romeo competition engines. It was he who would have replaced the original Solex carburettors with Weber units equipped with individual filters, improving the engine’s breathing and liveliness. Subsequently, the car became the property of Ettore Delli Carri, veterinarian and host of the Italian animal programme “Il Giardino Straordinario”, broadcast on Italian television. He undertook the steps to register the car with ASI (Automotoclub Storico Italiano).
The car arrived in Belgium in November 2003, after a road journey from northern Italy. On arrival, the head gasket was replaced, the car having stood idle for several years. The odometer then showed 4, 500 km, corresponding to the distance travelled since the complete engine overhaul by the previous owner. Since then, around 20, 000 km have been covered without the slightest trouble in twenty-two years of use. The engine now totals 25, 000 km and runs perfectly, aided by electronic ignition of type 1-2-3 guaranteeing increased reliability.
The interior was completely refurbished at the end of 2020, including upholstery and carpets, and remains in as-new condition. The Michelin X tyres, fitted in 2023, show barely 1, 000 km of use. The complete exhaust system, made in stainless steel by Freddy Bantuelle from the collector, provides a noble and hushed sound, in perfect harmony with the nobility of the six-cylinder. The original toolkit is still present, though partially incomplete and requiring restoration. This is also the exemplar that was the subject of an article in the Italian magazine Ruote Classiche in 1988, of which a photocopy accompanies the vehicle.
