The 90th anniversary edition of the Mille Miglia (1927-2017) will feature the Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 Mille Miglia, which belongs to the FCA Heritage collection and is exhibited during the year at the Alfa Romeo Historical Museum. It will be driven by a pair of famous drivers in Arturo Merzario and Jean-Pierre Jarier.
Both have Formula One experience and previously formed a winning partnership in the 1977 World Sportscar Championship, which Alfa Romeo won hands-down thanks to the mythical 33 SC 12, which was victorious in every race that season.
Now, after 40 years, the two aces will team up once again in a winning Alfa Romeo, with the delicate task of driving a car that has made motoring history and competed in numerous editions of the Mille Miglia.
The Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 is a milestone in motoring history, being one of the first European cars to adopt independent suspension. The 2309 cm3 six-cylinder engine, which delivers 95 HP at 4500 rpm in this version, consists of a cast iron monoblock, light alloy cylinder head and overhead V valves with overhead camshafts controlled by chains and gears. The gearbox has four speeds, plus reverse, with the shift lever on the centre console. The drum brakes on all four wheels are hydraulically controlled. The front suspension is independent, with transverse link and helical springs; while the rear suspension is also independent and consists of an oblique link, transverse connecting rod and longitudinal torsion bar. A weight of 1380 kg allows this 6C 2300 to reach a remarkable top speed of 170 km/h.
Only 107 examples of the 6C 2300 Mille Miglia were produced between 1938 and 1939,one of them in a spider version.
The Alfa 6C 2300 played a commanding role in the Mille Miglia between 1935 and 1938. It took first place in its class and fourth position overall in 1937 with Boratto/Guidotti in the cockpit, followed immediately in second place and sixth overall by the pairing of Cortese/Guatta. Another class victory and ninth place overallwent to Cattaneo/Donati in1936 before Cortese/Fumagalli won their class and finished ninth overallin 1938.
1927-2017, a 90-year history of passion, perseverance and speed. Read the story of what Enzo Ferrari described as the "most beautiful race in the world".
Read the stories of the FCA Heritage cars that starred in the 2017 Mille Miglia:
The Lancia Aprilia first series: a true technological marvel.
The Lancia Aurelia B24: for many the ‘most beautiful’ spider ever.
The Alfa Romeo 1900 Super Sprint: a car favoured by gentlemen drivers.
The Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport: one of the iconic cars of the Mille Miglia.
Discover more about Mille Miglia 2017.
