Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Castagna Ministeriale

The Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Ministeriale by Carrozzeria Castagna was a one-off limousine constructed on the long-wheelbase 6C 2500 Turismo platform. The vehicle, bearing chassis number 913.017, was completed circa 1950 and intended for formal or institutional use. It represents a rare example of post-war coachbuilt ceremonial transport based on Alfa Romeo’s final evolution of the 6C line. The 6C 2500 was the last in the series of six-cylinder Alfa Romeo models originally developed in the 1920s under the direction of Vittorio Jano. The 2500 series was introduced in 1938 and resumed production after the war. Chassis 913.017 was derived from the Turismo configuration, featuring a tubular steel frame and a long-wheelbase layout to accommodate extended bodywork. The engine was a 2,443 cc inline-six with dual overhead camshafts and a single carburetor. In Turismo specification, the unit produced approximately 90 horsepower. The drivetrain included a four-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive. Suspension was independent on all four wheels, employing coil springs and hydraulic shock absorbers. Braking was via hydraulic drum brakes at all four corners. Carrozzeria Castagna of Milan executed the coachwork in an enclosed six-window limousine format, identified in period documents and contemporary sources as “Ministeriale.” The body was constructed with a combination of aluminum and steel panels over a wooden subframe. Design features included a tall roofline, extended rear passenger compartment, and subdued exterior ornamentation. The interior was arranged for six to seven occupants, with divided chauffeur and passenger compartments. Only one example of the 6C 2500 Ministeriale by Castagna is recorded. No evidence of series production exists, and no other chassis with similar specifications has been documented. The vehicle was reportedly delivered for high-level civil or diplomatic service and remained in operational use for several decades. It is known to have participated in historical rallies and Alfa Romeo enthusiast gatherings in the late 20th century. Chassis 913.017 is considered unique among surviving 6C 2500 variants. It illustrates the adaptability of the Turismo platform for formal service and stands as a final instance of bespoke ceremonial coachwork applied to Alfa Romeo’s pre-Giulietta mechanical architecture.