VIN: the works Alfa Romeo C52 chassis AR.1359.00003
History of chassis AR.1359.00003
Although later equipped as a Berlinetta, chassis 1359.00003 is believed to have started life as a Touring-bodied ‘Disco Volante’ Spider.
Alfa Romeo devised the C52 programme to replace its Formula 1 operation. The firm’s Tipo 158 and 159 models had won the inaugural 1950 and 1951 World Championship for Drivers, but Alfa Romeo couldn’t afford to develop a new car for the revised 1952 regulations.
Instead, a four-car attack on the 1952 Le Mans 24 Hours was devised. Alfa Romeo would use an experimental car loosely based on their new 1900 model. Top drivers like Juan Manuel Fangio, Jose Froilan Gonzalez and Franco Cortese were brought on board, but the C52 was found to suffer from high-speed instability and the racing programme was abandoned.
The four C52s were used for research and development instead.
Three cars had been built with two-litre inline four cylinder engines. The other had a three-litre straight six and longer wheelbase chassis.
As part of the R&D programme, two of the four cylinder cars had their bodies modified over the summer of 1952. One (chassis 00002) had its bulbous ‘Disco Volante’ fenders and original long tail switched to a more conventional ‘Fianchi Stretti’ (Narrow Hip) configuration. These changes drastically improved stability.
Chassis 00003 was converted into a Berlinetta version of the original ‘Disco Volante’ design. It was given a wraparound windscreen and fastback cabin with sliding windows.
Unfortunately, the inherent problems with the ‘Disco Volante’ design meant the addition of a closed cockpit did not radically alter the car’s handling characteristics.
Nevertheless, 00003 was still an undeniably impressive looking machine and Alfa subsequently displayed it at the Turin Motor Show in April 1953.
Chassis 00003 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
