Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 S Castagna

Vehicle Overview

The Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 S Castagna with Touring design represents a unique chapter in the history of Italian automotive design. Introduced in 1939, this model was part of a strategic move by Alfa Romeo to address the high demand for the 6C 2500 Sport Berlinetta. In response, Alfa Romeo delegated a portion of the production to Carrozzeria Castagna, a respected coachbuilder known for its bespoke creations. While the 6C 2500 Sport Berlinetta was also crafted by Carrozzeria Touring, known for their Superleggera lightweight construction, the Castagna models retained certain design elements that distinguished them from their Touring counterparts. Despite having to adhere to the general lines set by Touring, Castagna’s version featured several unique details. Notably, the fenders of the Castagna models had an edge that was absent in the Superleggera Berlinetta, and the pavilion—or roofline—was more substantial, giving the car a different visual profile. Production of the Castagna-bodied 6C 2500 S was quite limited, with estimates suggesting that only around a dozen examples were made. These were spread over two series, with the second series appearing in 1942 and adapted to align with the corresponding second Touring Series design. Due to the rarity and the similarities in design between Castagna and Touring bodies, many surviving Castagna models have often been misidentified as Tourings and restored as such. The Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 S Castagna is a rare and significant vehicle, with only chassis 915066 remaining to document and celebrate Castagna’s contribution to this model. This particular chassis has been the subject of extensive research and restoration efforts, allowing it to stand as a testament to the craftsmanship and unique design elements of the Castagna coachbuilding tradition. Its preservation and proper restoration underscore the importance of recognizing and maintaining the distinct legacy of these rare vehicles, ensuring that the history of Carrozzeria Castagna and their role in the 6C 2500 S lineage is accurately remembered.

Photos courtesy of Lopresto Collection