All aboard the Alfa

Alfa Romeo Castagna Vittoria


It's not often you see an entirely unique, coach-built classic that's less than 30 years old and in excellent condition. It's even less common that you would find one up for auction with links to the the symbol of luxury travel, the renowned Orient Express.

"Although based on the Alfa 75, it more closely resembles the SZ model"

This vehicle's creators say this 'working prototype' has been uprated since its 1995 launch. The Alfa Romeo Castagna Vittoria, or Alfa CV for short, is the vision of the Carrozzeria Castagna company that is better known for trimming luxury rail coaches, but is unafraid of putting its hand to new designs for vehicles as well.

Carrozzeria Castagna was founded in 1849 in Milan, then collapsed in 1954, and came back fighting in a 1995 revival with the unveiling of the CV at the 1995 Geneva Motor Show. Although based on the Alfa 75, it more closely resembles the SZ model. An overhanging nose, a profile that mimics the 'c-line' around the windows similar to 21st-century Bugattis and a distinctive tail mark its design language. The key difference is that unlike most concept cars, this one drives.

Power comes via Alfa Romeo's 3.0-litre 'Busso' V6, producing 255hp/190Kw at 5740rpm, mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Uprated suspension features Koni coaxial shock absorbers all-round and independent coil springs up front. Stopping power is via new Brembo six-piston, self-ventilating disc brakes.

Alfa Romeo CV

 

Due to the method of construction, the base Alfa Romeo 75 has been entirely rebuilt, re-bodied and retrimmed. Aluminium body panels have been hand-hammered over the steel frame, and the interior now sports dark green leather, sporty Alcantara and carved wooden trim elements with Vittoria branding.

 

The Alfa is numbered and stamped as 'Car 0001' and comes with all of its identification and restoration paperwork, as well as the base car's original manual, and even an ABC miniature of the car presented on a display plaque.

 

With a verified history of careful mechanical and body care and only 2,500km on the clock from new, the 1995 Alfa Romeo CV is predicted to fetch between £125,000 and £135,000 when it goes on Car & Classic's auction that runs from 15 - 22 November (2023).

 

(Words: Newspress and Philip Devine | Images: Newspress)

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