1953 Alfa Romeo 1900CS Berlinetta by Pinin Farina

AR1900C.01534roadItaly

Engine: 1.9L DOHC inline-four, twin dual-choke Weber carburetors, ~150 bhp at 5,800 rpm
Colour: Deep red

A rare 1953 Alfa Romeo 1900CS Berlinetta with coachwork by Pinin Farina, one of only approximately 100 examples built on the short 'Corto' Sprint chassis between 1952 and 1953. The car has passed through several notable collections and received extensive mechanical preparation by Italian classic car specialist Raffi Najjarian, including an engine rebuild to beyond CSS specification producing around 150bhp, upgraded transmission, brakes, and suspension. It has participated in multiple California Mille events and is eligible for prestigious historic rallies including the Mille Miglia Storica.

Ownership

2020-08-14Auction sale
Sold US$255,000
Bonhams catalogue lot →
Date unknown
Members of several prominent collections
partial documentation
The car passed through multiple notable private collections prior to its current ownership; no specific names or dates are provided in the catalogue.
Date unknownAcquisition unknown
Current consignor
partial documentation
Present owner commissioned extensive mechanical rebuilding and refinement by specialist Raffi Najjarian of The Pit Stop, upgrading the car beyond standard CSS specification for road rally use.

Competition

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California Mille
The car participated in multiple editions of this historic road rally in California; specific years and results are not recorded in the catalogue.

Maintenance & restoration

—Engine rebuild
The Pit Stop
Engine rebuilt beyond CSS specification, incorporating a CSS crankshaft, enlarged pistons, dual Weber 44 DCO carburetors, an Abarth intake manifold, and a new exhaust system, with final output refined to approximately 150bhp.
Work carried out by Italian classic car specialist Raffi Najjarian.
—Mechanical
The Pit Stop
Installation of an oil cooler, electric fuel pump, new fuel tank, and a supplementary electric cooling fan, accompanied by a full rewire of the electrical system.
Carried out as part of the same preparation programme by Raffi Najjarian.
—Mechanical
The Pit Stop
Suspension and braking systems overhauled: new Alfin drum brakes fitted, front A-arms upgraded to a 2500-series configuration, original column-shift four-speed gearbox replaced with a five-speed floor-shift unit, and a new clutch installed.
Part of the broader mechanical preparation programme.
—Maintenance
The Pit Stop
Engine bay thoroughly detailed and finished using as many period-authentic components as possible following completion of mechanical work.
—
Service
Ongoing maintenance of the engine compartment following the rebuild, with only minor use reported; car described as properly serviced and in well-running condition.

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