1954 Alfa Romeo 1900

Chassis 01742

• One-off Ghia-bodied Alfa Romeo 1900 C SS, the Ghia Speciale
• Commissioned in 1954 by Al Williams, proprietor of San Franciscos famed Papagayo Room
• Displayed at the 1954 Los Angeles Motor Show and later exhibited at Pebble Beach
• Restored to its original factory specification
• Second in class at the 2025 Pebble Beach Concours dElegance

Introduced in 1950, the Alfa Romeo 1900 marked a pivotal moment for the Milanese manufacturer. It was the companys first truly series-produced automobile, yet it retained much of the sophisticated engineering that had defined Alfa Romeos prewar reputation. By 1954, the range had evolved into the highly capable 1900 CSS (Coupe Super Sprint), featuring a 1,975 cc twin-carburetor dual overhead cam four-cylinder engine producing 115 horsepower, a five-speed manual gearbox, and performance capable of approaching 120 mph. While approximately 1,800 1900 coupes were produced, many were bodied by Italys leading coachbuilders, resulting in a remarkable variety of highly individual automobiles.

Among them, none is more distinctive than chassis 01742. Commissioned in 1954 by San Francisco restaurateur Al Williams, proprietor of the celebrated Papagayo Room at the Fairmont Hotel and well-known Alfa Romeo enthusiast and SCCA racer.This unique Alfa Romeo was constructed by Ghia as a bespoke grand touring coupe tailored to Williamss personal specifications. At a reported cost of approximately $22,800, an extraordinary sum at the time, the car was among the most expensive custom automobiles commissioned during the period. Interestingly, during the same time, Al Williams also purchased the one-off Alfa Romeo B.A.T. 7 and raced it at Palm Springs in March of 1955; a year after taking delivery of chassis 01742.

Completed in the autumn of 1954, the Ghia Speciale featured striking aluminum coachwork unlike any other Alfa Romeo. Finished in metallic silver with a beautifully trimmed leather interior, the design blended contemporary Italian styling with a number of highly personalized details. Most notable was a folding rear seat and innovative top-hinged rear hatch, incorporated to accommodate Williamss beloved Great Dane. Long before hatchbacks entered mainstream production, Ghia had effectively created one for a favored client. Additional custom factory touches included personalized interior appointments and unique exterior detailing that distinguished this one-off Alfa Romeo from every other 1900 CSS built.

The completed automobile made an immediate impression. Shipped from Italy to California in time for the 1954 Los Angeles Motor Show, it received widespread attention in the American motoring press. In 1955 when this car appeared Road & Track, they described it as generally considered the most beautiful car in the show, while Motor Trend praised both its styling and bespoke execution. The car later appeared at the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance during the events early years, further cementing its status as one of the most notable custom-bodied Alfa Romeos of the era.

Beyond its rarity and fascinating history, the Ghia Speciale occupies an important place in automotive design. Historians have long noted its influence on the development of the original Ford Mustang, particularly its long-hood, short-deck proportions, side sculpting, roofline treatment, and interior themes. While Ghias relationship with Ford would not formally develop until years later, the styling themes first explored on this unique Alfa Romeo would ultimately help shape one of the most recognizable automobiles ever produced.

Following decades of ownership in California and the Pacific Northwest, chassis 01742 was rediscovered by collector Paul Forbes in 1989. A subsequent restoration by Tony Nicosia and Lawrence Anderson returned the car to its original silver livery and bespoke interior specification, carefully preserving the character and presence that made it famous. More recently, details unique to the original commission, including the distinctive exterior flourishes and embroidered interior features, were faithfully recreated to further enhance the cars authenticity. In August of 2025, this Alfa Romeo once again graced the lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance where it achieved 2nd in class. Showing that its level of quality to compete at the best concours in the world and even eligible to race on the famed Mille Miglia in Italy.

Today, the Ghia Speciale remains one of the most important and recognizable Alfa Romeo coachbuilt specials of the postwar era. As a one-off creation from Ghia, a featured show car, and a design that influenced generations of automobiles to follow, it occupies a singular position within the Alfa Romeo canon. Equal parts coachbuilt masterpiece, concours showpiece, and automotive design landmark, it is a motorcar whose significance extends far beyond its rarity alone.

Offers welcome and trades considered.