Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 CM Spider Colli

The Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 CM Spider, chassis 1361.00127, was constructed in 1953 as part of Alfa Romeo’s limited series of competition models derived from the 6C 3000 CM (Competizione Maggiorata) platform. This chassis was one of two open-bodied examples completed by Carrozzeria Colli under the direction of Alfa Romeo’s competition department. The 6C 3000 CM was developed to comply with post-war sports car regulations and to replace the aging 6C 2500 in international competition. Six chassis were produced in total. Later bodywork phases are distinct from the original programme. Chassis 1361.00127 was configured as an aluminum-bodied spider and fitted with a 3,495 cubic centimetre inline six-cylinder engine. The engine featured twin overhead camshafts and six single-choke carburetors, delivering approximately 275 horsepower. A five-speed manual gearbox was paired with the engine. The chassis employed a tubular steel structure, independent front suspension with double wishbones, and a rear De Dion axle. Braking was managed by hydraulically operated drums. This example was entered in the 1953 Gran Premio Supercortemaggiore in Merano, where it was driven by Juan Manuel Fangio. The car secured overall victory in the event, representing Alfa Romeo’s last major success in sports car racing during that period. Following the conclusion of its competition career, 1361.00127 was retained by Alfa Romeo for internal development purposes. It was later used for experimental testing, including early evaluations of disc brake systems, and was eventually preserved in the company’s historical collection. It remains part of the permanent display at the Museo Storico Alfa Romeo in Arese. Of the remaining chassis, 1361.00125 was originally bodied as a closed berlinetta by Colli and entered at the 1953 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it was also driven by Fangio. The car was withdrawn due to mechanical failure. It was subsequently sold to private ownership and rebodied as an open spider by Zagato. Other 6C 3000 CM chassis were either used for further testing or dismantled. Chassis 1361.00127 remains the most historically intact and well-documented example of the type.