Later this month, a 1995 Alfa Romeo Castagna Vittoria will be auctioned online by Car & Classic. Coach built by Carrozzeria Castagna - best known for developing coaches on the Orient Express - the car is a one-off working prototype based on an Alfa Romeo 75 and is regarded as an Italian classic. Numbered and stamped as ‘Car 0001’, it comes with all the necessary paperwork obtained throughout its life as well as an ABC miniature of the car on the display plaque.

First presented at the 1995 Geneva Motor Show, the car has attended numerous prestigious events since like the 1995 Mille Miglia, ‘The Uniques’ in 2010, and Essen’s ‘Techno Classica’ in 2012, where it won the Youngtimer Award.

In its futuristic styling, the Alfa can clearly be defined as a concept car with its overhanging nose jutting out over the Tribolo-motif grille and distinctive Kamm tail as well as a ‘c-line’ around the windows. However, this concept is one you can drive and is powered by a 3.0-litre ‘Busso’ V6 that produces 255hp and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Koni coaxial shock absorbers around the car and independent coil springs in the front give the suspension a huge upgrade and Brembo 6-piston self-ventilating disc brakes improve the drive significantly.

Love and care has gone into the manufacturing of this Alfa, a throwback to the days of high-end, bespoke automotive construction. The base Alfa Romeo 75 has been entirely rebuilt, re-bodied and retrimmed in its transformation, with aluminium body panels hand hammered over the steel frame and a brand new interior boasting dark green leather, Alcantara and Vittoria branded wood trim elements.

With only 2,500km on the clock from new, the car has spent many years in storage and is in excellent working order. For a glimpse of the car in person, it will be on display at Milano Autoclassico from 17th - 19th November.

“Alfa Romeo is near-universally admired by all petrolheads, and Car & Classic is one of the best places to discover these Italian icons across a huge range of budgets,” explained Car & Classic’s head of editorial Dale Vinten. “This Castagna Vittoria is as exclusive as it gets, and a glorious callback to a bolder and more bespoke era of car design.”

The auction runs from 15th - 22nd November and is already subject to some pre-bids. It is expected to fetch between £125k and £135k.

Words: Mike Booth
Pictures: Car & Classic