Alfa 1900CS Hot Rod

Legends are often born in obscurity. Alfa Romeo’s humble beginnings  gave no hint as to the extraordinary heights the company would achieve

(((A.L.F.A. ( Anonima Lombrada Fabbrica Automobili) was founded in June of 1910 from the company Società Anonima Italiana Darracq  (SAID).))) By 1915 the A.L.F.A. came under the stewardship of Nicola Romeo. At that time the factories efforts were turned over from building  cars to military equipment. The new name of the company became Alfa Romeo in 1920, the first car to wear the badge was the Torpedo 20-30 HP

The cars built by Alfa were solid road cars as well as successful race cars with names like Campari, Nuvolari and the young Enzo Ferrari behind the wheel.

Alfa created cars with style, grace and performance. One of their many creations has that in spades: the 1953 1900 CS.

The 1900 model was launched in 1950, the very first Alfa to be built completely on a production line—and the first to offer the option of left hand drive. The 1900 was offered as a four door Berlina and a two door coupe, with a 4 cylinder 1884cc engine putting out a very respectable 90hp. The cars found success at the Stella Alpine rallies and the Targa Florio.

Alfa took their macchina up another step by creating a shorter wheelbase version the 1900C (Corto).  Next, what would be better then adding an engine bored out to 1900cc? This brought the power up to 100hp; with this added juice, they became known as the 1900 Sprints.

100 chassis in this configuration were given to Carozzeria Pinin Farina, who produced a purposeful and stylish coupe body, the 1900 Corto Sprint. Other couch builders Bertone, Zagato, and Touring  also took advantage of the nimble drivetrain, each putting their own personal spin on it . The rarest of all the designs was the Pinin Farina version. Only about 50 were built in this style; perhaps less than 30 are believed to still exist, and only ten thought to be left hand drive. This particular Alfa is, in other words, a very unique automobile.

The 1900CS  and the 6C 3000 CM are obvious starting points in Alfas styling for the modern 4C.

The 1900CS is sleek purposeful little sports car with absolutely no unnecessary appendages: clean, clear lines with a minimum of chrome. The Alfa vibrates with sheer energy, waiting to be let loose.

Lending an assist, the little 4 cylinder engine has been brought up to CSS spec. A  new CSS crankshaft, larger pistons, dual Webbers and an Abarth manifold give the car a 50% jump in power from the original  100hp. New Alfin brake drums have been fitted, along with up-rated  front A-arms to help control the large bump in power.

Inside there have been several well-chosen modifications. The original bench type seat is swapped out for two Rally-style Zagato bucket seats. A four on the column shifter is relieved of its service and in its place, on the floor, a proper 5 speed.

Putting yourself behind the wheel, you find yourself in a cocoon of outright performance. A wooden Nardi wheel with an array of Veglia gauges housed in a leather clad binnacle behind it. A few toggle switches below the metal crackle finish dash handle; the wipers, fog-lights, and fan.

Turn the key and all parts act in concert to create a lovely, throaty tune. On the road the 1900CS is marvelously balanced car: the steering is comfortably tight, with no play in the wheel. The gear rations are just right for high speed cruising and having a whole lot of fun on a twisty back road. The 150 hp  is plenty to keep you and the 2315lb Alfa amply motivated. A nimble car that responds quickly to steering and throttle input, it’s a red blur— then, just a view of the two small taillights disappearing into the distance.

Alfa 1900CS + Rally or Tour = miles of fun.

Thanks to Mike Bruno for opening the barn once again and letting the Alfa run free.