Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 B Coupé Sport

The Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 Berlinetta (1938) was coachbuilt by Pininfarina and designed by Mario Revelli di Beaumont. It was developed in the late 1930s, a phase in which Alfa Romeo combined advanced mechanical engineering with increasingly refined aerodynamic research for high-performance road and competition cars. The Berlinetta body reflected this approach through compact proportions, a low frontal area, and smoothly integrated volumes, consistent with contemporary studies on airflow and efficiency. Pininfarina employed lightweight construction methods, using hand-formed panels over a traditional frame, with careful control of mass distribution. The body featured a tapered tail, enclosed cabin, and reduced external ornamentation, emphasizing function over decoration. These characteristics aligned with Alfa Romeo’s sporting orientation in the 6C 2300 range, which was intended for fast touring and endurance competition. Mechanically, the 6C 2300 was powered by a 2,309 cc inline six-cylinder engine, equipped with a single overhead camshaft and hemispherical combustion chambers. In Berlinetta specification, output varied according to tuning, typically ranging between 68 and 95 horsepower. Power was transmitted through a four-speed manual gearbox to the rear wheels. The chassis incorporated independent front suspension with transverse leaf spring and a live rear axle, a layout that balanced handling precision with long-distance comfort. The 1938 Berlinetta was produced in extremely limited numbers, with documentation indicating a single example in this configuration. This exclusivity reflects both the bespoke nature of Pininfarina’s work and the specialized role of the model within Alfa Romeo’s lineup. Pininfarina’s involvement with the 6C 2300 extended beyond the Berlinetta. At the 1937 Milan Motor Show, the coachbuilder presented a 6C 2300 Cabriolet known as the “Pescara”, named in reference to Alfa Romeo’s racing heritage and endurance events. The Pescara featured an open body with flowing fenders, a long bonnet, and a more formal yet sporting profile, offering a contrasting interpretation of the same mechanical base.