One of only 14 sought-after replicas of the Alfa Romeo 6C 1750
Extremely faithful replica of the iconic Milanese model triumphant in pre-war competition
Highly original and fascinating car with two-tone paintwork
Combines the style of the original model with more modern Alfa Romeo mechanics
A rare opportunity to acquire an example in excellent condition
The Attractions
When the small Carrozzeria Pettenella decided to breathe new life into a classic Alfa Romeo in the 1970s, the choice fell on one of the most famous and best-loved models, the 1931 6C 1750, the elegant pre-war sports car bodied by Zagato that won every race it entered in 1929.
Even then, the original 6C 1750s were extremely rare and valuable cars. By taking great care to faithfully reproduce every detail of the original, even the corrugated aluminium bottoms and steering design are the same, Pettenella created an excellent alternative for enthusiasts and collectors who would have had difficulty obtaining an original version. His cars were even powered by Alfa Romeo engines - they used a 2-litre twin-shaft engine that offered similar performance to the original.
Named after the road that passed by the Pettenella factories, this special car was produced in only 14 examples. The example presented here has the chassis number AP1040. Distinguished by an elegant two-tone brown and beige paintwork, it is highly original and proudly displays a light and charming patina that gives it an even more authentic appearance.
The chances of acquiring one of the rare and very expensive original 6C 1750s are very slim. Finding a Pettenella is equally difficult but fortunately their price is much more affordable. This fascinating example therefore constitutes an extremely attractive opportunity.
History and Documents
The seller informs us that this car was fbuilt in 1968 but the first registration happened in 1975 as before it was on a professional plate - the first owner was Mr. Pettenella himself. This was the first one he built
Most Pettenellas were built in the mid-1970s
The seller states that this was the first example built but we cannot confirm this
The car has the chassis number AP1040
The odometer shows 2,749km
The car is accompanied by some information about its history
Only 14 Leontines were built in total, faithfully reproducing the styling and details of the 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 with Zagato coachwork. Most were built in the mid-1970s, mainly between 1975 and 1976.
The Leontina is not to be confused with other replicas of pre-war cars. Pettenella took great care to faithfully reproduce the smallest details of these cars - the spar chassis and corrugated aluminium bottoms for example are virtually identical. The Leontina was also equipped with a tubular front axle with Hartford-type friction dampers. The steering was based on the original 6C layout and special care was taken to cleverly conceal the more modern and powerful disc brakes.
The seller, a specialist in classic Alfa Romeos, informed us that this car was built in 1968 and was the first to be produced. It has chassis number AP1040 and is believed to be extremely original and true to Pettenella specifications, including the mechanical base of the Alfa Romeo Giulia/GTV.
The Condition
Two-tone brown and beige paintwork that looks very original
There is a slight patina on the exterior and interior typical of its age and a sign of originality
The aesthetics of the 6C Zagato are faithfully reproduced, with bodywork and bottoms in aluminium
Girder chassis in good condition, visible in the photographs
Vintage-pattern tyres and beige spoke wheels to match the bodywork
Chrome in good condition with attractive details such as folding windscreen
Two spare wheels with vintage-pattern tyres
Original beige canvas soft top shows some signs of ageing but appears intact and well preserved
Beige leather interior in good overall condition and full of exquisite details
Jaeger-style instrumentation
The great attention paid to every detail during the construction of the Leontina is evident in the photographs of this beautiful example. Finished in an elegant brown and beige colour scheme, it also looks very original thanks to its slight patina.
The aluminium body and floorboards and the chassis with side members are in very good condition. Inside, the atmosphere is made just as special by the precious beige leather upholstery and elegant details such as the Jaeger instrumentation. The unmistakable vintage-look folding roof shows slight signs of ageing, and the car is fitted with painted wire wheels with vintage-design tyres, including the two rear-mounted spare.
Mechanics
2-litre Alfa Romeo twin-shaft engine in the Giulia
This engine is believed to provide similar power to the original 6C 1750 engine Alfa Romeo 5-speed manual gearbox
Chassis and suspension very similar to the original
Tubular front axle with Hartford-type friction dampers
Carefully concealed front disc brakes
Steering box reproduces the original layout
No mechanical or driving problems reported
Much of the Leontina's appeal is due to the thoroughness of the work carried out by Pettenella. This is not a show car - it was designed, using original Alfa Romeo mechanical components, to offer the performance and driving pleasure of a real Alfa Romeo, just like an original 6C 1750.
The mechanicals come from the Alfa Romeo Giulia and GTV of the time, with a 2-litre twin-shaft engine offering performance similar to that of the original car. The more modern 5-speed gearbox improves driveability, but otherwise the respect for the original features has been truly remarkable. The more observant will notice the Hartford-type Italian friction dampers, similar to the original, the correct steering box and the modern disc brakes cleverly hidden.
This car retains its original factory features. It has been reported to us that it runs properly and drives well.
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1968 Pettenella Leontina
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