1956 Alfa Romeo 1900 C SS Touring Superleggera Coupé
- Engine
- 2.0L DOHC inline-four, twin Solex carburetors, ~130 bhp (upgraded Alfa Romeo 2000 unit)
- Colour
- Bright yellow with black accents
A 1956 Alfa Romeo 1900 C SS Touring Superleggera coupe, chassis originally delivered to an Italian client in August 1956. Distinctive for its bright yellow-and-black livery — earning the affectionate nickname 'Bumble Bee' — the car passed through German and then American ownership before a cosmetic restoration in 1989. Subsequent preparation as a rally car included drivetrain and suspension upgrades; it has been campaigned in the Tour Auto and California Mille.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$176,000
- 1956-08-03 →Factory deliveryMario Carinipartial documentation
Italian first owner; vehicle delivered new to him directly in August 1956.
- 1969 →Acquisition unknownAmerican owner in San Diegopartial documentation
Car relocated to San Diego, California in 1969 and remained in US ownership from that point forward; identity not specified.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownGerman ownernone documentation
Car passed through unnamed German ownership at some point after the Italian delivery and before the 1969 US transfer.
- Date unknownPrivate saleDennis Birkhimerfull documentation
Veteran West Coast Alfa Romeo enthusiast who acquired the car in the late 1990s and invested substantially in rally preparation, including drivetrain, suspension, and engine upgrades.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownOrin Smithpartial documentation
Final pre-auction owner who used the car regularly; the vehicle is affectionately associated with him in the catalogue.
Competition
- —Tour AutoDriver: Dennis Birkhimer
Car was prepared specifically for rally use during this owner's tenure and participated in this French historic touring event.
- —California MilleDriver: Dennis Birkhimer
Vehicle participated in this prominent California-based historic road event following extensive mechanical preparation by its then-owner.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1989BodyworkDomenico Scaduto
Cosmetic refinishing carried out, resulting in the current bright yellow and black colour scheme inspired by an original Touring design sketch for the model.
Workshop located in Escondido, California. The striking livery prompted the enduring nickname 'Bumble Bee'.
- —Mechanical
Comprehensive rally preparation undertaken, encompassing a gearbox rebuild with bespoke gear ratios, cooling system work, drivetrain, suspension, and electrical system attention, plus replacement of shock absorbers and brake master cylinder. The engine was upgraded to an Alfa Romeo 2000 unit and the gearbox similarly upgraded.
Work carried out during Dennis Birkhimer's ownership; documented by substantial invoices retained with the car.
- —Maintenance
Interior refurbishment including fully restored instruments; Zagato-style seats fitted as an upgrade alongside a flat Nardi steering wheel.
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