Page 1 of 2 Next >> When Alfa Romeo suspended its racing activities in the early 1950s, several of the existing competition cars were discarded. Some were sold to privateers while two others were handed to specialist coach-builders Pinin Farina and Boano for future projects. Certainly the most famous of this pair is the 6C 3000 CM (chassis 00128) that went to Pinin Farina. It was first shown by the Turin-based carrozzeria in 1956 and would appear three more times with distinctly different body styles.
Chassis 00128 originally started life as one of six works cars built for the 1953 season. The 6C 3000 CM was a highly sophisticated machine with a steel tubular spaceframe chassis, independent front suspension and a DeDion rear axle. The engine was the latest development of Alfa Romeo's fabled twin-cam straight six. Displacing just under 3.5 litres and breathing through six Weber carburettors, it produced around 275 hp. Fitted with a Coupe body created by Colli, chassis 00128 is understood to have been used by Juan Manuel Fangio to finish second at the 1953 Mille Miglia.
With the Colli bodied removed, the low and compact chassis provided the Pinin Farina designers with plenty of room to be very creative. Known as the Superflow, the first show car based on the 6C 3000 CM was launched at the 1956 Turin Motor Show. It boasted a futuristic design with open front wheels covered by plexiglass panels. These also doubled as headlight covers. To relay the car's origins, a prominent Alfa Romeo grille adorned the low nose. Plexiglass was also used for the roof, which featured hinged, 'gullwing' sections. In keeping with the times, the tail sported prominent fins. Page 1 of 2 Next >>