Chassis No. 915586
Engine No. SS 923690
Touring Body No. 3131
The first Aerlux produced by Touring, and one of a mere 19 examples built, chassis number 915586 was assembled in August 1947 with engine number 923690, and the car was delivered in February 1948, featuring its Aerlux Coupé body, to the Manifattura Lane Marzotto in Valdagno, according to the reference work Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 by A. T. Anselmi.
The family-owned business, still in existence today and later merged with Hugo Boss and Valentino, was then managed by Count Gaetano Marzotto, who was passing the reins to his son, the celebrated racing driver Giannino, victorious in the Mille Miglia in 1950 and 1953, and fifth overall at the 1953 24 Hours of Le Mans alongside his brother Paolo.
Derived from the Latin words for air and light, the car takes its name, Aerlux, from its distinctive sunroof, crafted from a Plexiglas-like material, employing the aeronautical know-how Touring acquired through the construction of canopies for combat aircraft during the Second World War. As the very first Aerlux, it is the only example equipped with a sunshade system integrated into the roof structure. It also remains the only one featuring the exceptionally elegant design detail where the lines from the front fenders continue across the doors; in subsequent examples, these lines stopped before the doors, and the elaborate sunshade system was abandoned.
In 2002, the car was acquired by its current owner, who undertook a long journey to Nebraska in the United States to retrieve it. At that time, it had been stored dismantled since 1973 by an architect named James, who had originally acquired it complete. The owner then commissioned a meticulous four-year restoration in Italy, respecting the original configuration. AFRA handled the mechanics, while Fabio Calligaris restored the bodywork and interior, returning the car to its exceptionally rare original Copper Metallic finish and restoring its former splendor.
Since then, the Aerlux has been recognized at several Concours d'Elegance and has competed in the Mille Miglia, a race historically dominated by Alfa Romeo. It is accompanied by its Registro Italiano Alfa Romeo certificate and its FIVA Identity Card, as well as its title, which reflects meticulous and consistent maintenance, as evidenced by the Italian technical inspection stickers regularly affixed to it. The car is further documented in several published works.
With its shortened wheelbase and more advanced mechanicals compared to the 6C 2500 Sport, this Super Sport Aerlux Coupé is perfectly suited for both competition and concours, standing as the elder sister to the winner of the 1949 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este.
Documents: Italian Libretto
- Fuel
- Body Types
- Transmission
- Exterior Colour
- Number of doors
- Interior Colour
- VIN Code915586
