The Alfa Romeo 1900 Cabriolet “La Fleche” stands as one of the most iconic cars of the 1950s, combining the expertise of renowned Italian automotive names like Vignale, Michelotti, and Alfa Romeo. This car beautifully captures the spirit of “La Dolce Vita” and represents the finest of Italy’s post-war automotive achievements.

The Elegant Design of “La Fleche”

The Alfa Romeo 1900 Cabriolet “La Fleche” is a perfect blend of soft, flowing lines and refined elegance. Its design, marked by chrome trim and delicately sculpted vents, exudes an air of sophistication. A truly unique feature of the car is its heart-shaped radiator grille, a first for Alfa Romeo models.

The rear of the car showcases custom-designed taillights that complement the car’s elegant look, while the dashboard’s interior color scheme is thoughtfully matched to the exterior. Compared to other Italian cars of the era, such as the Vignale-bodied Ferrari 250 Europa, the “La Fleche” boasts a subtler, more graceful design.

Watch the videos to marvel at this incredible car in action:

A Glimpse into Its History

After its debut at the 1955 Salone di Torino, the Alfa Romeo 1900 Cabriolet “La Fleche” quickly became a roadworthy classic. Initially registered in Trieste in mid-1955, the car was later re-registered in Rome in 1964 under the ownership of Società Navigazione Italo-Sud Africana.

By the 1980s, the car was acquired by Società Colonica Belvedere, a company specializing in renting vintage cars for Italian films. “La Fleche” appeared in popular Italian comedies, such as Sapore di Mare 2 – Un Anno Dopo (1983) and Giovanni Senzapensieri (1986), as well as in the TV miniseries Yesterday, Vacanze al Mare (1985), cementing its place in Italian pop culture.

Restoring a Piece of History

The Alfa Romeo 1900 Cabriolet “La Fleche” underwent a meticulous restoration to bring it back to its original condition. After being acquired by its current owner in 2011, the car was carefully restored to preserve both its outward beauty and its historical integrity. The restoration preserved the car’s distinctive patina, ensuring that its original interior remains intact, showcasing the luxury and craftsmanship of its time.

Showcasing Excellence at Prestigious Events

Since its restoration, “La Fleche” has participated in several prestigious concours events across Europe. In 2018, it was awarded 1st in class at the Concorso d’Eleganza di Lucerna and received the Best of Show honor at the Concours d’Elegance Citta di Lugano.

The car also appeared at the Concourso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in 2019 and at a special fashion and design exhibition at the Museo Svizzero dei Trasporti in Lucerne. Furthermore, “La Fleche” was prominently featured at the Museo dell’Automobile di Torino in an exhibition celebrating the work of Michelotti, titled “Michelotti World.”

A Classic Example of “Stile Transatlantico”

“La Fleche” is a stunning example of “Stile Transatlantico” – a design philosophy that merges traditional European elegance with modern, international influences. This one-of-a-kind coachbuilt car, based on the Alfa Romeo 1900 chassis, highlights the exceptional design and craftsmanship of its time.

Power and Performance Under the Hood

The Alfa Romeo 1900 Cabriolet “La Fleche” is powered by a 1.9L inline 4-cylinder engine, capable of producing 115 horsepower. This gives the car a top speed of approximately 170 km/h, impressive for a car of its era.

Paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, the engine delivers a smooth and powerful driving experience, making “La Fleche” a joy to drive. The combination of performance and aerodynamic design ensures that the car is not only a visual masterpiece but also a thrilling ride.

Conclusion

The Alfa Romeo 1900 Cabriolet “La Fleche” is more than just a vintage car – it is a testament to Italian automotive excellence. With its graceful design, impressive engine, and rich history, it remains one of the most admired classic cars of all time. Whether displayed in a museum or showcased at a concours event, “La Fleche” continues to captivate enthusiasts with its timeless charm and craftsmanship.

For any collector, this remarkable car would be a prized addition, representing the pinnacle of Italian automotive artistry.