Decades Later | The Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 is a Classic Built to Last

The 1940 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 is more than just a car; it’s a piece of history that showcases the beauty and engineering brilliance of pre-war Italian automotive design.

This classic gem continues to enchant car lovers with its unique mix of vintage charm, mechanical finesse, and rich heritage.

 

In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the 1940 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500, from its current market prices and specifications to its standout features, comparisons, and what customers are saying, giving you a fresh look at this iconic vehicle as we step into September 2025.

Historical Context and Significance:

First introduced in 1938, the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 marked the last chapter of the famous 6C series, crafted by the talented Vittorio Jano. The “6C” stands for its six-cylinder engine, while “2500” refers to its 2,443 cc displacement.

 

Due to the constraints of World War II (1940–1945), production was limited, making the 1940 models especially rare. 

The 6C 2500 earned acclaim for its adaptability, offered in various bodystyles and wheelbases, and featured cutting-edge engineering, including independent suspension and a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) engine.

 

Its legacy carried on after the war with models like the 6C 2500 Freccia d’Oro, but the 1940 versions are still highly sought after for their exceptional craftsmanship from the pre-war era.

 

Current Pricing in 2025:

The value of a 1940 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 in today’s market really hinges on its rarity, condition, history, and the craftsmanship behind its coachwork. 

Prices can swing quite a bit depending on the specific model variant, like Turismo, Sport, or Super Sport, and the coachbuilder involved, whether it’s Touring Superleggera, Pinin Farina, or Graber.

 

Recent auction results show that a well-kept 1940 6C 2500 Sport Cabriolet went for $341,000 USD back in 2008, but with inflation and a growing interest from collectors, prices have only climbed since then. 

By 2025, you could see pristine examples, especially those with a solid history or unique coachwork, selling for anywhere between $400,000 and $750,000 USD.

 

Meanwhile, restored Super Sport models might even hit close to $1 million at prestigious auctions like Pebble Beach or Gooding & Company. On the flip side, barn-find or project cars that need some TLC usually fall in the $150,000 to $300,000 range, depending on how complete and original they are.

1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500

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Specifications and Features:

The 1940 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 was offered in various configurations, each tailored to different driving preferences, from luxurious touring to sporty performance. Below are the key specifications:

 

• Engine: 2.4L (2,443 cc) inline-six, DOHC, naturally aspirated, producing 87–110 hp depending on the variant (Turismo: 87 hp, Sport: 95 hp, Super Sport: 110 hp with triple Weber carburetors). 
• Transmission: 4-speed manual gearbox, with some later models featuring a 5-speed option.
• Chassis: Steel ladder frame with independent front suspension (double wishbones with coil springs) and rear swing axles with torsion bars.
• Wheelbase: Turismo (128.0 in), Sport (118.1 in), Super Sport (106.3 in).
• Body styles: Coupe, Sport Cabriolet, Spider, Berlinetta Aerodinamica, and custom coachbuilt designs by Touring Superleggera, Pinin Farina, and Graber.
• Top Speed: 84–103 mph (135–165 km/h), with the Super Sport reaching up to 120 mph (200 km/h) in racing configurations like the Tipo 256.
• Weight: 1,400–1,720 kg, depending on bodystyle and equipment. Tires: 6.50 x 17 (front and rear).

 

New Features and Value Additions in 2025:

While the 1940 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 remains a vintage car, its value in 2025 is enhanced by modern restoration techniques and collector-driven upgrades:

 

• Restoration Quality: Advances in automotive restoration allow for precise replication of original parts, maintaining authenticity while improving reliability. Restorers often use period-correct materials for interiors and bodywork, increasing value. 
• Documentation and Provenance: Vehicles with matching numbers (original engine and chassis) or celebrity ownership (e.g., King Farouk, Rita Hayworth) command premium prices. Comprehensive records, including those cataloged in Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 by Angelo Tito Anselmi, add significant value. 
• Event Eligibility: The 6C 2500’s eligibility for prestigious events like the Mille Miglia or Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance enhances its appeal. Restored examples are often prepared for such competitions, with upgraded brakes or electrical systems for safety. 
• Modern Collectible Market: The rise of online platforms like CLASSIC.COM allows collectors to track market trends, increasing transparency and demand for well-documented 6C 2500s.

 

Engine Functions and Performance:

The heart of the 1940 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 is its 2.4L inline-six engine, designed by Vittorio Jano. Key features include:

 

• Design: Aluminum-alloy cylinder head, cast-iron block, and chain-driven DOHC for precise valve timing. The Super Sport variant used three Weber carburetors for enhanced performance, delivering 110 hp with an 8:1 compression ratio. 
• Performance: The engine provided smooth power delivery and high torque, ideal for both grand touring and competitive driving. The Tipo 256 racing variant, with 125 hp, achieved a top speed of 120 mph, showcasing Alfa Romeo’s Grand Prix heritage. 
• Drivability: The long-stroke design ensured excellent low-end torque, making the car responsive in varied conditions, from city driving to open roads.

 

Mileage and Fuel Consumption:

As a vintage car, the 1940 6C 2500 was not designed with modern fuel economy standards in mind. Exact mileage data is scarce, as it depends on driving conditions, maintenance, and carburetor tuning. However, estimates based on similar vehicles suggest:

• Fuel Consumption: Approximately 10–12 km/L (23–28 mpg) on highways, with city driving yielding 8–10 km/L (19–23 mpg).
• Fuel Tank Capacity: Standard models had a 60–70L tank, while the 6C 2500 Coloniale featured a 120L tank with additional 70L reserve tanks for military use.
• Range: With a 60L tank, the car could achieve a range of 480–720 km (300–450 miles) under optimal conditions.

Modern restorations may improve fuel efficiency slightly through optimized carburetor settings or modern fuel additives, but owners prioritize authenticity over economy.

 

Comparison with Contemporaries:

To contextualize the 1940 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500, we compare it to two contemporary vehicles: the 1939 Bugatti Type 57 and the 1940 Mercedes-Benz 320. 

 

Feature	1940 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500	1939 Bugatti Type 57	1940 Mercedes-Benz 320
Engine	2.4L Inline-6, DOHC, 87–110 hp	3.3L Inline-8, DOHC, 135–175 hp	3.4L Inline-6, SOHC, 78 hp
Top Speed	84–120 mph	95–120 mph	78–81 mph
Weight	1,400–1,720 kg	1,600–1,900 kg	1,800–2,000 kg
Transmission	4-speed manual (5-speed optional)	4-speed manual	4-speed manual
Suspension	Independent front, swing axle rear	Independent front, rigid axle rear	Independent front, swing axle rear
Price (2025 est.)	$400,000–$1,000,000	$1,000,000–$3,000,000	$100,000–$250,000
Bodystyles	Coupe, Cabriolet, Spider	Coupe, Convertible, Sedan	Sedan, Cabriolet
Fuel Economy	19–28 mpg	15–20 mpg	18–22 mpg

 

Analysis:

The Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 strikes a beautiful balance between performance and elegance, thanks to its DOHC engine that offers a level of refinement that outshines the Mercedes-Benz 320’s SOHC setup. That said, it does fall short in power compared to the Bugatti Type 57’s impressive inline-8.

 

With its lightweight chassis and independent suspension, the Alfa has a distinct advantage in handling over the bulkier Mercedes-Benz, although it doesn’t quite match the luxurious feel of the Bugatti’s custom interiors.

 

As of 2025, the Alfa Romeo is priced lower than the Bugatti, largely because the latter is rarer and boasts a rich racing history. Still, the Alfa remains more exclusive than the Mercedes-Benz, which was produced in much larger quantities. 

 

Customer Reviews and Insights:

Collector and enthusiast reviews highlight the 1940 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500’s enduring appeal:

John M., Classic Car Collector (USA): “The 6C 2500 is a masterpiece of pre-war engineering. My 1940 Sport Cabriolet, restored by a specialist in Italy, drives like a dream on open roads.

 

The engine’s smoothness and the car’s handling are unmatched for its era. Maintenance is costly, but it’s worth it for the history and prestige.”

 

Elena S., Mille Miglia Participant (Italy): “I drove a 1940 6C 2500 SS in the 2024 Mille Miglia. The car’s agility and power, even at 85 years old, were astounding.

 

The triple-carb setup gives it a distinctive roar. Finding parts is a challenge, but the community of Alfa enthusiasts is incredibly supportive.”

 

Anonymous Auction Buyer (2023): “I paid $520,000 for a restored 6C 2500 Coupe at auction. The Pinin Farina bodywork is breathtaking, and the car’s provenance, linked to a European royal, added to its value. It’s an investment that also brings joy every time I drive it.” 

 

Hidden Key Points:

Only a few hundred 6C 2500s were built during 1940–1945 due to wartime disruptions, making surviving examples exceptionally rare.

 

• Coachbuilder Influence: The choice of coachbuilder significantly affects value. Graber-bodied cars, like the 1940 Sport Cabriolet (chassis 915089), are particularly scarce, with only two known examples. 
• Cultural Significance: The 6C 2500’s appearance in films like The Godfather (1972) and Mussolini: The Last Act (1974) adds to its cultural cachet, appealing to collectors beyond automotive enthusiasts. 
• Restoration Challenges: Sourcing period-correct Weber carburetors or original interior materials can be difficult, often requiring custom fabrication, which increases restoration costs but preserves authenticity.

 

Aspect	Details
Price Range (2025)	$400,000–$1,000,000 (pristine); $150,000–$300,000 (barn find/project)
Engine	2.4L Inline-6, DOHC, 87–110 hp, 1–3 Weber carburetors
Transmission	4-speed manual (5-speed in some later models)
Bodystyles	Coupe, Sport Cabriolet, Spider, Berlinetta Aerodinamica
Wheelbase	Turismo: 128.0 in, Sport: 118.1 in, Super Sport: 106.3 in
Top Speed	84–120 mph (135–200 km/h)
Fuel Consumption	19–28 mpg (8–12 km/L)
Weight	1,400–1,720 kg
Suspension	Independent front (double wishbones), rear swing axles with torsion bars
Tires	6.50 x 17 (front and rear)
Key Features	DOHC engine with high torque
	Custom coachwork by Touring, Pinin Farina, Graber
	Eligibility for Mille Miglia and Concours events
	Matching numbers increases value
Value Additions	Modern restoration techniques
	Provenance documentation
	Cultural significance (film appearances)
	Advanced suspension for its era
Challenges	High maintenance costs
	Difficulty sourcing original parts
	Limited wartime production

Frequently Asked Questions:

What makes the 1940 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 a good investment in 2025?

The 6C 2500’s rarity, historical significance, and eligibility for prestigious events like the Mille Miglia make it a strong investment. Its value has appreciated steadily, with pristine examples fetching up to $1 million. Provenance, such as celebrity ownership or matching numbers, further enhances its appeal.

 

How does the 6C 2500 compare to modern Alfa Romeo models like the 2025 Giulia?

Unlike the 2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia, which offers 24–33 mpg and 170–240 hp with modern turbocharged engines, the 6C 2500 prioritizes craftsmanship over efficiency. Its 87–110 hp engine and vintage handling appeal to collectors, while the Giulia targets performance and practicality.

 

What are the challenges of owning a 1940 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500?

Owners face high maintenance costs due to the scarcity of parts like Weber carburetors and period-correct upholstery. Restoration requires skilled specialists, and driving demands mechanical knowledge, as the car lacks modern conveniences like power steering or ABS. 

 

Conclusion:

The 1940 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 remains a pinnacle of pre-war automotive design, blending elegant coachwork, advanced engineering, and a rich racing heritage. In 2025, its value as a collector’s car is bolstered by its rarity, cultural significance, and eligibility for prestigious events. 

While it lacks the fuel efficiency and convenience of modern vehicles like the 2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia or Tonale, its DOHC inline-six engine, independent suspension, and bespoke styling offer an unmatched driving experience.