VIN: the works Alfa Romeo C52 chassis AR.1359.00001
History of chassis AR.1359.00001
Chassis 1359.00001 was the first of four C52s completed. Like 00002 and 00003, it used Alfa Romeo’s two-litre inline four cylinder engine.
The other C52, chassis 1361.00011, used a three-litre inline six cylinder engine and long wheelbase chassis.
00001 was probably the car flown out to the USA for the New York International Motor Sports Show held between March 29th and April 6th of 1952. Alfa Romeo’s US importer, Max Hoffman, had encouraged the project and was keen to sell production versions to customers.
Four C52s were entered for the 1952 Le Mans 24 Hour race but Alfa Romeo discovered the car had serious stability issues. The attack on Le Mans was abandoned.
Instead of racing, the C52 was used for research and development.
One of the C52s (00002) was modified to a ‘Fianchi Stretti’ (Narrow Hips) body style and another (00003) was converted into a ‘Disco Volante’ Berlinetta.
Chassis 00001 was the only two-litre C52 in to keep its original ‘Disco Volante’ Spider bodywork.
It was retained by Alfa Romeo and remains on display at the Museo Storico Alfa Romeo in Arese, Milan.
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Alfa Romeo - https://www.alfaromeo.com
