Celebrating the Art of Italian Coachbuilding
Celebrating the Art of Italian Coachbuilding
The Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 MM Touring Superleggera.
The Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 B MM Berlinetta Superleggera Touring is a significant milestone in automotive history, marking a remarkable achievement in both design and performance. This specific car finished 4th at the prestigious Mille Miglia race on April 4, 1937, driven by Ercole Boratto and Battista Guidotti. Not only was it a standout at the race, but it was also the first car to feature Touring’s revolutionary “Superleggera” construction method, setting a new standard in automotive design and engineering. Touring’s commitment to aerodynamics is evident in this Berlinetta, reflecting a continuous evolution in their stylistic approach. Even during wartime, Touring remained at the forefront of design innovation, introducing the new, larger Alfa Romeo scudetto (shield), a defining element that would become synonymous with the brand. The 1937 Mille Miglia Berlinetta exemplifies this approach, with a streamlined design entirely dictated by aerodynamics, combining aesthetics with performance in a way that was ahead of its time. Technically, the car is a testament to Touring’s racing-focused ethos. It was not just about looks; this Berlinetta was built to perform on the track. As the first Superleggera, it employed a tubular framework system covered by meticulously hammered aluminium sheets, creating a lightweight yet robust structure. This construction method resulted in a body weight of just 126 kg, significantly lighter than most cars of its era, allowing it to reach impressive speeds of over 170 km/h—a remarkable feat for the time. This blend of innovative design and advanced engineering marked a turning point for Touring and Alfa Romeo. The Berlinetta not only influenced future automotive design but also demonstrated the potential of lightweight construction in racing and road cars alike. The use of the Superleggera framework would become a defining characteristic of Touring’s work, influencing countless cars in the decades that followed. The 1937 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 B MM Berlinetta Superleggera Touring stands as a symbol of innovation, embodying the perfect synergy of form, function, and speed that continues to inspire automotive design to this day.
The Superleggera system, developed by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, stands as one of the most innovative achievements in the history of automotive design. This revolutionary construction method, guided by the motto “Weight is the enemy – Air resistance is the obstacle,” was more than just a new way of building cars; it was a transformative approach that redefined car manufacturing, blending cutting-edge engineering with elegant aesthetics.
