Highlights

Originally owned by the son of Italian President Giovanni Leone
Kept at the Quirinale presidential palace in Rome during Leone's presidency
Second owner was the head of Carrozzeria Marazzi, famous Italian coachbuilder
Just 8,702 kilometres recorded
Preserved in a private museum for 15 years

The Appeal

The Alfa Romeo 1900 Super is a keystone; one of the most important points of Alfa's post-war renaissance. This was the company's first production car built on a unibody chassis, and the first to use a production line at the Milanese Portello Plant. Designed by Orazio Satta, it was a deeply handsome car - impressive to the core, thanks to Alfa's Twin-cam - and gained a reputation for perfectly balancing simplicity, sportiness and comfort in what felt like a rather futurist-looking package.

This particular 1955 example stands out for its extraordinary provenance and remarkably low mileage. Having been originally owned by Paolo Leone, son of Italian President Giovanni Leone, this 1900 Super was kept at the Quirinale presidential palace in Rome during Leone's presidency from 1971 to 1978. Its second owner was equally notable - the head of Carrozzeria Marazzi, the renowned Italian coachbuilder who collaborated extensively with Alfa Romeo and Lamborghini. Having spent 15 years preserved in a private museum in Italy before joining a Luxembourgish collection, it's still in fine order, and from our perspective is a particularly fascinating, storied example of a particularly fascinating, storied model.

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History and Paperwork

1955 Alfa Romeo 1900 Super with notable history
Originally belonged to lawyer Paolo Leone, son of Giovanni Leone (President of the Italian Republic from 1971 to 1978)
Fully restored by Paolo Leone (his name appears on the right camshaft cover) in the '70s
During the Leone presidency, the car was kept at the Quirinale in Rome
Second owner was the head of Carrozzeria Marazzi, famous Italian coachbuilder who worked for over 30 years with Alfa Romeo and Lamborghini
In 2018, the car was acquired by a private Luxembourgish collector passionate about Italian automobiles
15 years in a private museum in Italy
Then with a private Luxembourgish collector
Subsequently stored in a dry hangar
Old restoration, original condition, no modifications
Supplied with Carta di circolazione (Italian registration document)
Registered in Italy with original license plates ROMA 225580
The serial numbers are reported to match

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The Condition

Fully restored in the 1970s, and still in fine fettle
The Orazio Satta bodywork is in fine order, with very little interruption to its smooth, flowing shapes
Dark blue livery suits the car to the ground, contrasted nicely by rich brightwork
Glasswork and lenses in good order
Steel wheels in good order
Underside is in very good condition, especially for an Alfa of this age
Cabin is in very evocative, period-accurate order
Protective plastic has been fitted to the door card fabric
The vendor notes a tear in the driver's side front seat backrest
Gauges are clean and well-presented
Dashboard looks in good condition

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The Mechanics

1,975cc Tipo 1038 4-cylinder engine
Manual transmission with 4 gears
Recently restarted after spending more than 15 years in a private museum in Italy
The vendor has undertaken some work and is confident in the car
Will be delivered with complete maintenance performed before sale
Will be delivered with new windshield wipers and a new exhaust pipe

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BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.

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