Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Sport Berlinetta by Touring gifted by Mussolini to lover Claretta Petacci, takes centre stage at RM’s Paris auction. Known as the “Mussolini Mistress” car, this automobile boasts a truly fascinating history tied to one the most significant moments in 20th century history, which makes it so special. It is estimated to bring €1,9 – €2,4 million ($2,3 – $2,9 million), when hit the auction block on February 4, 2015.
It is well documented that Italy’s notorious war-time dictator, Benito Mussolini, enjoyed many of the finest things in life; so when he sought to gift a car to his lover, Claretta Petacci, he was naturally drawn to the stunning lines and effortless performance of an Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Sport Berlinetta.The car passed into the custody of Ms. Petacci for her exclusive use during the war years, chauffeur-driven by Franz Spögler, who confirmed the vehicle’s identity and its war-time use many years after the conclusion of hostilities. It is also understood from Spögler’s documented recollections that this was the very car that Petacci and other members of her family drove in convoy from Milan in a bid to find refuge across the Italian border in 1945, only to be stopped by partisans close to Lake Como. Her fate after capture, along with that of Mussolini, is well known, and it is remarkable to think that her last journey took place in this incredible Alfa Romeo.
This Alfa Romeo 6C2500 Sport, chassis number 915.033, was produced in 1939 and, at the time, was clothed in exceptionally handsome lightweight berlinetta coachwork made of aluminium by Carrozzeria Touring, of Milan, body number 2305. Records indicate that a mere 16 were produced, with an unknown number of survivors. Originally re-discovered in 1970 on a farm in New York State, it has been fully and faithfully restored in recent years by world-renowned marque expert, Francesco Bonfanti, and honoured with ‘Best in Class’ at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in 2007 and ‘Best of Show’ at the 2011 Salon Privé Concours d’Elegance amongst others.
