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The organizers of the Salon Rétromobile (February 130.000 to 600, 1.000) expect around 1 visitors, more than 5 exhibitors and over 2023 exhibits at the exhibition center in the Parisian Suburb Versailles. The classic divisions of Stellantis Italian brands are also represented, including Alfa Romeo Classiche. From the Stellantis Heritage collection come two iconic coupés for visitors to Europe's oldest classic car show to look forward to: a 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ and a 1956 Alfa Romeo 1900 Super Sprint.
Alfa Romeo SZ (1989)
The Alfa Romeo SZ was developed under the project name ES30 - for Experimental Sportscar 3.0 litres, experimental sports car with 3,0 liter engine - in the mid-1980s. Alfa Romeo commissioned the Milan design studio Zagato with this project, which to continue the tradition of rear-wheel drive sports cars while exploring new manufacturing technologies. This cooperation also led to the final model designation SZ for Sprint Zagato.
The ES30 project took shape with the help of CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design, Computer Aided Manufacturing) systems, which were very advanced for that era. As a result, the development time was significantly reduced, especially in terms of refinements and ongoing changes. The body of the thoroughbred sports car, which is unique due to its wedge-shaped design, is made of plastic. The chassis, chassis and drive come from the Alfa Romeo 75. The performance of the 3,0-liter V6 cylinder has been increased to 152 kW (207 hp). This allows the coupé to reach a top speed of 245 km/h.
Between the end of 1989 and 1991, Zagato only made around 1.000 copies of the Alfa Romeo SZ. However, the vehicle presented by Stellantis Heritage at the Rétromobile in Paris is unique. As one of the first prototypes ever built, it was used as a test vehicle on the company's own test site in Balocco for a long time to compare different technical solutions. As a laboratory vehicle, this Alfa Romeo SZ therefore differs greatly from the later production vehicles.
The Alfa Romeo SZ on display in Paris was completely disassembled and meticulously restored in Stellantis Heritage's Officine Classiche workshop. The body was stripped of paint and then the paint was rebuilt. The interior has been restored to almost new condition while preserving as much of the substance as possible. Thorough cleaning and subsequent coating preserved the fuel tank. The engine was also completely overhauled while preserving its originality.
Alfa Romeo 1900 Super Sprint (1956)
Alfa Romeo introduced the 1900 model at the Paris Motor Show in 1950. Initially available as a four-door sedan, cabriolets and coupés were soon added to the series, the latter under the Sprint name.
In 1955 the coupé received the more powerful engine of the 1900 Super TI sedan, which changed the model designation to the 1900 Super Sprint. The four-cylinder with two double carburetors delivered 1.975 kW (85 hp) at revs from a displacement of 115 cc. In combination with the likewise new five-speed gearbox – still with steering wheel gearshift – a top speed of 190 km/h was possible.
Only 1958 Alfa Romeo 599 Super Sprints were produced until 1900. The Touring design studio used the so-called Superleggera construction method to mount the aluminum body on a steel substructure. Low weight and good aerodynamics gave the coupe very good driving performance.
Presented by Stellantis Heritage at the Rétromobile, the Alfa Romeo 1900 Super Sprint was manufactured on July 14, 1956 and delivered to its buyer three days later in Paris. The blue paintwork and the engine are original.
Alfa Romeo Classic
Alfa Romeo Classiche has the task of preserving and promoting the great history of the brand, as well as offering special services to owners of classic Alfa Romeos. The main components are the certificate of origin, which the Heritage department has offered for Alfa Romeo vehicles since 2016, as well as the certificate of authenticity and comprehensive restoration services. The involvement of top managers in the various committees shows the importance attached to the program. The Certification Commission is chaired by Jean Philippe Imparato, Alfa Romeo CEO, together with Roberto Giolito, Head of the Heritage Department, and Lorenzo Ardizio, Curator of the Alfa Romeo Factory Museum.
The Certificate of Origin allows the history of each vehicle to be traced using the VIN number. The service includes a thorough document check in the company's archives and the issuance of a certificate certifying the year of production and the original configuration of the vehicle.
The Certificate of Authenticity is based on a detailed analysis of a historic vehicle. In this process, the classic car goes through a rigorous inspection and evaluation process conducted by a specialized team. In addition to the originality of the vehicle and its components, the most important functions are also checked. Based on this evaluation, Alfa Romeo Classiche, with the support of the Heritage department, ideally certifies the authenticity of the classic car - which considerably increases the value of the vehicle.
The same team that oversees Stellantis Heritage's unique collection of historic vehicles is also available to private customers for restorations. The services offered range from simple maintenance to complete restoration, from diagnosis to body work or repair of individual vehicle components to final inspection. Photo credit: Stellantis
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