Alfa Romeo 6C

The Alfa Romeo 6C series, designed by the brilliant Vittorio Jano, defined the company from the late 1920s through the early 1950s. Spanning models from the 1500 to the 2500, the '6C' designation refers to its advanced inline 6-cylinder engine, which featured overhead camshafts and, in top specifications, a supercharger. These cars were dominant in racing, winning events like the Mille Miglia and Targa Florio, and established Alfa Romeo as a premier builder of high-performance cars.

Collectors prize the 6C for its combination of mechanical sophistication and bespoke artistry. Instead of standardized factory bodies, most 6C chassis were sent to Italy's great coachbuilders, or 'carrozzerie', such as Touring, Zagato, and Pinin Farina. This means nearly every car is unique, making them rolling sculptures eligible for the world's most exclusive concours events. A 6C isn't just a car; it's a ticket into an elite circle of historic motoring.

The market for the 6C is incredibly diverse and is dictated almost entirely by provenance, coachbuilder, and specification. An early, supercharged car with a rare Zagato body and racing history can command millions. Post-war 2500 models with more common designs are more accessible but are still significant six-figure cars. The wide spread in recent sales, from project cars to concours winners, shows just how much model, condition, and history matter.

Prices range from as low as $3,313 for project cars to over $508,000 for well-documented, coachbuilt examples.