Class C - Closed Cars 2004

1940-1959: Closed Cars "Le temps du changement"

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68. Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 GT, 1951
6 Zylinder in linea, 2443 cm³

Body: Coupé Villa d’Este “Helvetia”, Touring
Entrant: Albert Obist (CH)

Villa d’Este became a real style researching exercise for Touring, resulting in countless variations in a surprising number models; enough to make you think that no further variations could be possible, despite Touring’s tireless creativity. Only a small number of this spacious 4/5 seater coupé were produced. It was named “Helvetia” as it was built exclusively for the Swiss market.

70. Moretti Grand Sport, 1953
4 Zylinder, 748 cm³

Body: Coupé Grand Sport, Moretti
Entrant: Roland d'Ieteren (B)

Unlike many Italian coachbuilders, Giovanni Moretti did not use Fiat or Lancia mechanical parts for his vehicles, but produced them himself. His worldwide recognition is owed to this fact.In 1950, the Coupé 750 cm3 was introduced and took part in the Algeri- Capetown raid. Its mechanical weakness convinced Moretti to develop a 750 Sport version with double camshaft in the head.

72. Alfa Romeo BAT 7, 1954
4 Zylinder, 1884 cm³

Body: Coupé Aerodinamica, Bertone
Entrant: Paul Osborn (GB)

The three Alfa Romeo BATs undoubtedly figure among the most original creations in automotive history. This style trio which celebrates the imaginative collaboration between Scaglione and Bertone, allowed Bertone to establish credibility by introducing the aeodynamic style. BAT7 far surpassed in imagination even its predecessor BAT5, presented the previous year.

74. Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn, 1954
6 Zylinder in linea, 4566 cm³

Body: Saloon, Hooper
Entrant: Jean-PaulGuerlain (F)

The Silver Dawn was presented to the public in 1949 in “conduite intérieure” version. The sheer elegance of the Cabriolet version gained a great deal of recognition at various Concorsi d’Eleganza. The unique chassis were made to order for wealthy, distinguished customers then handed over to coachbuilders of the calibre of Hooper. 761 units were made between 1949 and 1955.

76. Alfa Romeo 1900 SS Z, 1954
4 Zylinder in linea, 1975 cm³

Body: Coupé, Zagato
Entrant: David Sydorick (USA)

The Alfa Romeo Super Sprint variation glorifies the sporting features of this Coupé and is an important example of Italian style in the 1950s. In the 1954 season, the finely Zagato clad Alfa Romeo 1900s made their compeitve appearance and achieved an outstanding victory in the famous race“Stella Alpina”.

78. Siata 208 CS, 1958
8 Zylinder a V, 1996 cm³

Body: Coupé-Berlinetta, Balbo
Entrant: Dirk Libeert (B)

The 208 C, an elaborate Fiat 8V, stood out from the other original models because of its five gears, and its elegant coachwork is the work of Balbo. Siata was founded by G. Ambrosini in 1926 and the word itself stands for Society for Italian Application and Transformation for Automobiles. During the 1960s Siata concentrated its activity mainly on coachwork building. Production ceased in 1970.

80. Fiat 8V, 1955
8 Zylinder a V, 1996 cm³

Body: Coupé, Zagato
Entrant:Gianfanco Pittarel (I)

When the doors opened on the 1952 Geneva Motor Show, the press discovered a sporty “Berlinetta” with V8 mechanics and independent 4-wheel suspension at the Fiat stand. The aerodynamic coachwork by Fabio Luigi Rapi was considered to be avant-guarde. Exorbitant production costs meant production was limited to just 114 examples.

82. Ferrari 375 America, 1955
12 Zylinder a V, 4522 cm³

Body: Coupé, Pininfarina
Entrant: Jack Thomas (USA)

The “America” Coupé was an important vehicle developed for the American market. It made its debut at the 1953 Paris Motor Show. Coachwork for 9 out 10 chassis was by Pininfarina. The Ferrari 375 America was aimed at a demanding and sporty market and was later brought out in cabriolet version, first by Vignale and then by Michelotti.

84. Pegaso Z 102 B, 1956
8 Zylinder a V, 3172 cm³

Body: Coupé, Touring
Entrant: Heiko Seekamp (D)

Between 1956 and 1958, most of the Pegaso production was based on two ranges of models with increased Zylinder capacity. These cars were very powerful and sometimes equipped with surcharged engine, they didn’t shine in competitions due to their inadequate brakes and their attempt at the Le Mans 24-Hour was unsuccessful.

86. Maserati 450 S, 1956
8 Zylinder a V, 4477 cm³

Body: Coupé, Zagato
Entrant: Alfredo Brener (USA)

Built by Zagato in Rho, with Frank Costin’s experience, this unique coupé promised to be extraordinarily aerodynamic and significantly faster, in view of the 1957 Le Mans 24-Hour race. The Maserati Costin coupé missed its chance and the 24-Hour race adventure ended with Stirling Moss retiring early on in the race.

88. Lancia Flaminia Sport, 1959
6 Zylinder a V, 2458 cm³

Body: Coupé, Zagato
Entrant: Léo Schildkamp (B)

In 1959, Zagato built this long and aerodynamic coupé onto the Flaminia chassis. Only 205 Flaminia Zagato Lancia Sports were built, and the small number is testimony to the rarity of the vehicle.

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