The 1900 was Alfa Romeo’s first post-war production model, and it showed the direction that the Milan-based company would take in the coming decades. The 1900 was smaller and more compact than the pre-war designed 6C 2500, and it was powered by an iron-block and aluminium-head four-cylinder with chain-driven dual overhead camshafts. It was introduced as a sedan in 1950, and a year later, the sedan was followed by the more sporting 1900C Sprint coupé, which rode on a five-inch shorter wheelbase.

The 1900C Sprint offered here, chassis 01549, was built in 1954 and delivered new to Gumersindo Garcia Fernandez of Spain, who is believed to have registered with the Real Automóvil Club de España. Mr Fernandez was an enthusiastic driver and competed in the car at many events that year, including the first Rally de los Pirineos. His season highlight was a 1st in class victory at the Subida a la Dehsa de la Villa held on 21 November.

For the 1955 season, Fernandez chose to enter the gruelling XXV Rallye Monte-Carlo, held from the 17th to 20th of January. Although it is believed that Fernandez completed the event, his time was such that he was not formally classified as the 211th overall. Fernandez’ season continued with another four events in Southern Europe. In September 1955, Belén Aguilar also entered the Alfa Romeo in the Concurso de Elegancia en San Sebastián.

The car then passed to the president of the Club 600 Barcelona, Mr Salvador Ros, who again set about competing in the 1900C. His first event was the 1958 Rallye de los Pirineos, finishing 10th overall. He continued to enter events throughout the ’59, ’60, and ’61 seasons before an accident side-lined further competition. Interestingly, at that time, the damaged nose section was replaced with that of a Touring design due to the complexities of the original Ghia nose.

The car next appeared in 1990 with Pablo Gemino, who took to thoroughly researching the history of his Alfa. Gemino is a diligent historian who has authored many books relating to the classic car hobby, and he was also responsible for the Antique Car Club’s magazine in Catalunya. His detailed study confirmed the car’s early competition history. After his ownership, the car passed to another significant collector in Portugal, Mr Pueche, who continued to research the car’s history, successfully finding images of the car competing in its original configuration. The 1900C has since been fully restored by Cognolato in Italy and passed to another European collector.

Currently presented in lovely condition, this car is sure to catch the eye of even the most knowledgeable Alfa Romeo enthusiast.