Celebrating the Art of Italian Coachbuilding
Celebrating the Art of Italian Coachbuilding
The Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Victoria Cabriolet by Stabilimenti Farina.
The Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Victoria Cabriolet is a striking example of post-war Italian automotive design, created in the early months of 1947 by the young and talented Giovanni Michelotti. Built by Stabilimenti Farina, this luxurious cabriolet reflects the elegance and innovation that defined Italy’s coachbuilding renaissance during the mid-20th century. The car’s design is characterized by a prestigious and imposing front end, highlighted by a large chrome grille and arrow-shaped bumpers with dramatic overhangs. These elements give the car a sense of authority and sophistication, showcasing the attention to detail and craftsmanship for which Stabilimenti Farina was renowned. The flowing lines of the cabriolet emphasize grace and refinement, while the overall proportions convey a harmonious balance that complements the high-performance chassis of the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS. The Victoria Cabriolet’s styling proved to be influential, inspiring a series of models from Stabilimenti Farina. This design language was later adapted to smaller platforms, such as the Fiat 1100 chassis. Despite the more compact dimensions of the Fiat-based models, the elegance and correct proportions of the original design were successfully preserved, demonstrating Michelotti’s skill and Farina’s ability to tailor their work to different vehicle sizes. In addition to the cabriolet, a similar Coupé version of the design was also produced, further showcasing the versatility and appeal of Michelotti’s vision. Both iterations highlight the adaptability of the style to various body forms while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. The Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Victoria Cabriolet is not only a reflection of Alfa Romeo’s engineering excellence but also a testament to the artistry of Stabilimenti Farina and the emerging talent of Michelotti. This cabriolet, along with its coupé counterpart, occupies a special place in automotive history, representing a perfect marriage of beauty, performance, and craftsmanship during a pivotal era in design.
The Tank Style cars from Stabilimenti Farina defied automotive norms with their low-slung profiles, signaling a departure in design during the post-war era. Originally intended as a unique cabriolet masterpiece, the Tank-Style concept surprised many by evolving beyond a solitary creation. The subsequent coupé, distinguished by its low roofline and covered wheel arches, presented an avant-garde vision akin to a floating monolith.
