After World War II, many things changed for Alfa Romeo, the most important of which was the evolving new car marketplace. No longer was there a great demand for large engined grand touring machines. Consumers preferred much smaller, more efficient vehicles as a result of an economy in recovery. Introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 1950, the 1900 was the first Alfa Romeo to carry unit body construction and had a twin cam, four cylinder engine that matched the power of it's six cylinder predecessor, the 6C 2500. The switch to smaller vehicles ensured Alfa Romeo's survival going forward but coachbuilders had a difficult task when it came to modifying a car without a separate chassis. Nevertheless, there were several versions of the 1900 bodied by famed Italian coachbuilders, such as this SS Ghia, which included a slightly larger, higher horsepower engine.

1954 Alfa Romeo 1900 SS Ghia

1954 Alfa Romeo 1900 SS Ghia ID# AR1900C01838. Delivered new to George Walker, then VP of Design at Ford Motor Company and comes with known provenance that includes Miami, Italy, Monte Carlo, Switzerland, and returning to the U.S. in mid 2000. This Alfa was also shown at Florida’s Italia Fest in February and received a 2nd in class award. Pictured and described in Benson’s book as unusual and bearing resemblances to the Bertone BAT cars.

This same car was for sale back in 2006 by the same seller at $350,000. The worldwide economic downturn has affected the classic car market, especially for more obscure classics such as this car. One of the last 1900 Ghia Coupes to sell was in 2009 at Gooding & Company at Pebble Beach. That car sold for $170,500, inclusive of the buyer's premium. Realistically, this car might bring anywhere from $150,000 to $200,000 in this market.

-Paul