*** For select clients, we are constantly seeking sporty classic automobiles. Please contact us for details on including your car in our collection +++

Vehicle data

Tel. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Print

MakeAlfa Romeo

Model1900 CSS

Year1955

Body typeCoupe

Cylinders4

Engine capacity1975 ccm

Power115 HP

Topspeed190 km/h

Acceleration 0-100 km/h10,5 sec

Weight empty1070 kg

Gearboxmanual

Speeds5

Tachometer counter (read)5186 kms

Previous owners1

Matching numbersyes

SSC number588

Interior colourblue

Manufacturer's colour code (exterior)n. a.

Interior materialLeather

Sun roofno

Electrical windowsno

Power steeringno

Price offered175.000 €

VAT deductableno

Information Request

Back to the index

Car description

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.

Information Request

Slide 1
Slide 2
Slide 3
Slide 4
Slide 5
Slide 6
Slide 7
Slide 8
Slide 9
Slide 10
Slide 11
Slide 12
Slide 13
Slide 14
Slide 15
Slide 16
Slide 17
Slide 18
Slide 19
Slide 20
Slide 21
Slide 22
Slide 23
Slide 24
Slide 25
Slide 26
Slide 27
Slide 28
Slide 29
Slide 30
Slide 31
Slide 32
Slide 33
Slide 34
Slide 35
Slide 36
Slide 37
Slide 38
Slide 39
Slide 40
Slide 41
Slide 42
Slide 43
Slide 44
Slide 45
Slide 46
Slide 47
Slide 48
Slide 49
Slide 50
Slide 51
Slide 52
Slide 53
Slide 54
Slide 55
Slide 56
Slide 57
Slide 58
Slide 59
Slide 60
Slide 61
Slide 62
Slide 63
Slide 64
Slide 65
Slide 66
Slide 67
Slide 68
Slide 69
Slide 70
Slide 71
Slide 72
Slide 73
Slide 74
Slide 75
Slide 76
Slide 77
Slide 78
Slide 79
Slide 80
Slide 81
Slide 82
Slide 83
Slide 84
Slide 85
Slide 86
Slide 87
Slide 88
Slide 89
Slide 90
Slide 91
Slide 92
Slide 93
Slide 94
Slide 95
Slide 96
Slide 97
Slide 98
Slide 99
Thumb 1 Thumb 2 Thumb 3 Thumb 4 Thumb 5 Thumb 6 Thumb 7 Thumb 8 Thumb 9 Thumb 10 Thumb 11 Thumb 12 Thumb 13 Thumb 14 Thumb 15 Thumb 16 Thumb 17 Thumb 18 Thumb 19 Thumb 20 Thumb 21 Thumb 22 Thumb 23 Thumb 24 Thumb 25 Thumb 26 Thumb 27 Thumb 28 Thumb 29 Thumb 30 Thumb 31 Thumb 32 Thumb 33 Thumb 34 Thumb 35 Thumb 36 Thumb 37 Thumb 38 Thumb 39 Thumb 40 Thumb 41 Thumb 42 Thumb 43 Thumb 44 Thumb 45 Thumb 46 Thumb 47 Thumb 48 Thumb 49 Thumb 50 Thumb 51 Thumb 52 Thumb 53 Thumb 54 Thumb 55 Thumb 56 Thumb 57 Thumb 58 Thumb 59 Thumb 60 Thumb 61 Thumb 62 Thumb 63 Thumb 64 Thumb 65 Thumb 66 Thumb 67 Thumb 68 Thumb 69 Thumb 70 Thumb 71 Thumb 72 Thumb 73 Thumb 74 Thumb 75 Thumb 76 Thumb 77 Thumb 78 Thumb 79 Thumb 80 Thumb 81 Thumb 82 Thumb 83 Thumb 84 Thumb 85 Thumb 86 Thumb 87 Thumb 88 Thumb 89 Thumb 90 Thumb 91 Thumb 92 Thumb 93 Thumb 94 Thumb 95 Thumb 96 Thumb 97 Thumb 98 Thumb 99

Information Request

Back to the index