VIN: the works Alfa Romeo C52 chassis AR.1359.00002
History of chassis AR.1359.00002
Of the four C52 Spiders completed, chassis 1359.00002 was part of the trio built with two-litre inline four cylinder engines.
The fourth example received a three-litre straight six motor and long wheelbase chassis.
Like all C52s, chassis 00002 is believed to have originally come equipped with Touring of Milan’s ‘Disco Volante’ Spider bodywork. However, the anticipated 1952 competition programme was dropped in view of the design’s aerodynamic instability.
Instead, the C52s were used for research and development. During the course of this analysis, one C52 was transformed with a Berlinetta version of the ‘Disco Volante’ body (chassis 00003).
Chassis 00002 also had its coachwork revised.
It was reworked with a more conventional Spider shell that did away with the original semi-shrouded fenders and pointed tail in favour of conventional wings and a shortened rear end. Additionally, the car was equipped with wider 6.5-inch wheels and Weber 40 DCOE carburettors for easier running.
These modifications proved so effective that Alfa Romeo reversed their decision not to compete with the C52.
Nicknamed ‘Fianchi Stretti’ (Narrow Hips), 00002 contested the 1952 Pescara 12 Hours and then half a dozen more events in 1953. It often appeared alongside Alfa’s C52 replacement, the 6C 3000 CM.
Alfa Romeo closed their competition department at the end of 1953.
They sold 00002 in late 1954 to amateur Swiss driver, Jean Ducrey. Prior to hand-over, the car was given a gentle shakedown at the Coppa d’Oro di Siracusa.
Between late 1955 and 1959, Ducrey continued to occasionally compete with 00002 in a mixture of minor circuit races and hillclimbs.
In April 1963, Ducrey sold the car to Fritz Schlumpf and it became part of the world famous Schlumpf Collection in Mulhouse (now the Cite de l’Automobile).
Notable History
Completed as C52 Spider ‘Disco Volante’
Rebuilt as C52 Spider ‘Fianchi Stretti’
16/08/1952 IND Pescara 12 Hours (P. Palmieri / F. Matrullo) DNF (#21)
16/04/1953 WSC Mille Miglia (G. Zehender / A. de Giuseppe) DNF (#532)
12/07/1953 IND Avellino (L. Bellucci) 2nd oa (#??)
26/07/1953 IND Messina 10 Hours (A. Soldani / V. Angeli) 11th oa, 3rd S2.0 class (#??)
02/08/1953 IND Giro Delle Calabria (L. Bellucci) 3rd S2.0 class (#??)
06/09/1953 IND Merano Supercortemaggiore (L. Belllucci) DNF (#??)
01/11/1953 IND Coppa Sant Ambroeus, Monza (P. Carini) 2nd oa (#??)
10/10/1954 IND Coppa d’Oro di Siracusa (N. Musmeci) 8th (#??)
Sold to Jean Ducrey, Switzerland
23/10/1954 IND Penya-Rhin GP, Pedrables (J. Ducrey) ran (#??)
Used in several minor races and hillclimbs between 1955 and 1959
By April 1963 sold to Fritz Schlumpf, France
Retained by the Schlumpf Collection (now the Cite de l’Automobile)
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Alfa Romeo - https://www.alfaromeo.com
