Why did Americans hate Italian cars? Was it because they often were noisy and underpowered, needed massive amount of maintenance and, for some, were too small even though we’re not built like Pavarotti? Yet there also is a certain charm with the Italians, such as innovative engineering and style that, especially in the 1950s, involved a symbiotic relationship with Detroit. If a country ever had a passion—a brio—for automobiles, it would be the Italians.
A fine example of everything that’s great about Italian cars is brought to us by Steve Natale in his In the Garage with Steve Natale channel on YouTube: a 1955 Alfa Romeo 1900 SS by Zagato. If you’re not into Italian cars, this is how it breaks down, as Italian car models can get confusing.
- The Alfa Romeo 1900 was introduced at the 1950 Paris Motor Show and featured unibody construction. The model was built through 1959.
- Power came from a new 1,884cc twin-cam four-cylinder, which was upgraded to 1,975cc in 1953. Four- and five-speed manuals were the only transmissions.
- Three factory body styles were available: four-door “Berlina” saloon, two-door Coupe (Touring and Pinin Farina), and two-door Cabriolet (Pinin Farina).
- There also were coachbuilt versions of the 1900. You may note the above coachbuilders, but custom jobs were another thing altogether.
- The featured 1900 Super Sport Coupe was custom-designed and -built by Zagato.
In other words, you have your basic 1900 sedans, with Alfa-commissioned coupes and convertibles designed by several coachbuilders, plus custom designs from a myriad of coachbuilders. The Zagato is one of the latter.
This particular Alfa ran in the fabled Mille Miglia race back in the day. Join Steve as he takes us around this Zagato-bodied 1900 SS.
