H&H Classic Auctions will auction a 1935 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 Pescara Spyder that belonged to Benito Mussolini on February 27 next year.
The spyder was built to special order of the Italian dictator. Sporting the chassis number 700635, the car was based on the 6C 2300. The 6C 2300 was an evolution of the 6C 1500. Its creator Vittorio Jano wanted to improve the reliability of the car and therefore designed an engine with light alloy cylinder heads with chain-driven hollow camshafts for better lubrication. The engine also featured seven main bearings for rigidity. With a 70-mm bore and 100-mm stroke, the 6C 2300 continued the long stroke that gave Alfa’s engines high-end torque for drivability.
Built by Carozzeria Touring, the car was modified before delivery to receive a dickey seat and the engine was tuned to increase the power to 95bhp from 68bhp on the standard version. The car competed at the 1936 Mille Miglia and finished 13th overall. It was driven by Mussolini’s chauffeur Ercole Boratto.
The car is also a witness of the period as it retains traces of the partial alcohol fuelling system it is believed to have operated during the Mille Miglia, when the fascist regime was promoting the use of alternative fuels.
The 1935 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 Pescara Spyder is expected to weigh in at about £600,000-800,000.
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