Classic Cars in Rhodesia

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Classic Cars in South Africa

Make	Alfa Romeo	History
Year		ex Ernest Gearing, sold to Peter Sutcliffe, taken overseas at some stage.
Model	RL
Chassis No.
Engine No.
Coachbuilder
Body Style
Colours
Registration Numbers		References

Make	Alfa Romeo	History
Year		Supercharged Type 34, the first of five such cars. After initial use as a works car it was sold to Nuvolari who drove it in 1934, winning at Naples and Modena. Later acquired by Scuderia Subalpina, placed 4th in the 1935 Donnington GP driven by Everitt and Rovere. Acquired in 1936 by Mario Massacuratti and imported into South Africa. Driven by Mario, Bobby Bothner and John McNicol in various races between 1937 and 1940. Their best placings were 6th in the 2nd Rand Grand Prix in 1937 for Mario, 4th in Heat 1 of the Golden City Handicap in 1938 for Bothner, 5th in Heat 1 of the Golden City Handicap for McNicol and 2nd in the Grand Challenge handicap 1940 for Mario. Acquired by George Cannell after WWII and entered in numerous races between 1948 and 1953. Acquired by Tex Kingon in 1953. Kingon was sadly killed in the car in 1955 during the 5th East London Winter handicap. Remains of the car were sold to Tom Lewis who rebuilt the car, fitted an Austin Healey front suspension. After the car was crashed again it stood for many years before being acquired by Colin Crabbe in 1966. Rebuilt by Bill Summers and campaigned by him for saome years before being acquired by Alain de Cadenet. Believed to now be in Europe.
Model	6C T34
Chassis No.	3023
Engine No.
Coachbuilder
Body Style
Colours
Registration Numbers		References

Make	Alfa Romeo	History
Year	1928/29	ex Ernest Gearing, sold through Jolyon Simpson to Michael Gluckman. Later in Australia
Model	1750 SC
Chassis No.	10814382
Engine No.
Coachbuilder	Zagato
Body Style	2-seater
Colours
Registration Numbers		References

Make	Alfa Romeo	History
Year	1929	One of 52 3rd series chassis, originally fitted with a 2-seater body, it was reclothed by an unknown English coachbuilder with an 8C 2900 type body. The car was raced in England with the original body and arrived in South Africa with the new body in 1936. The car's first South African owner was Lex Williamson, and the car has some racing history before the war. Acquired for £300 by Dr. Hugh Gearing and his father in 1952, from Paul Fatti of Fatti's Engineering in Johannesburg. Dr. Gearing rebuilt the car over three years and competed in many hillclimbs, including the Krugersdorp climb. The car suffered supercharger problems and was fitted with a non-standard supercharger in 1956. Still owned by Dr. Gearing in 2003. For sale in 2008 on http://www.anamera.com/en/detail/car/30092/index.html?no_cache=1&ret=63 thought to have raced in 1929, 1930 and 1931 Mille Miglia. Apparently sold to an American buyer for $1,250,000. Sold through Bonhams, Greenwich Concours 7 Jun 2009. Sold again in 2014 by Gooding & Company at Pebble Beach Concours for $836,000, now painted Black
Model	6C 1750 Grand Sport
Chassis No.	0312901
Engine No.	0312901
Coachbuilder
Body Style
Colours	Red, later Black
Registration Numbers	TJ-1732/SAF, LXV-021-T/SAF, LNK-611-GP/SAF	References	Classic Car Africa 1/2, 6/1; Automobilist 18/2; Photo source unknown

Make	Alfa Romeo	History
Year	1930	Imported pre-war by Mario Massacurati. and raced in the 1st Grosvenor Grand Prix in 1937 by Billy Roderick, getting 8th place. Ran briefly post war in the Transvaal. Acquired as a basket case by Irvine Low of Durban, whilst on a National Veteran and Vintage Car Rally in 1959. Ferried to Durban to be restored but due to an unforeseen move to Canada, the car was sold to Peter Hunt of Bloemfontein. Peter painstakingly restored the car over the next few years, acquiring parts from all over the world. The most serious hurdle motor wise, was the two missing con-rods. A pair were acquired in Milan, but they were of a heavier pattern than the others and extra weight had to be carefully added to the originals. The car's first outing was the 1963 National from Lorenco Marques to Johannesburg. After doing well on half the rally, the car broke down and was towed behind the sweep vehicle for the rest of the trip. The resulting investigation showed that the skew-gears driving the cross-shaft had failed. Used in numerous Club runs over the years. For many years the car was run without a hood, and although Alfas with factory made hoods look terrible, Peter eventually made one with an aluminium framework to satisfy the requests of his Navigator, who also happened to be his wife.
Model	6C 1500 Gran Sport
Chassis No.	8513097
Engine No.	8513097
Coachbuilder	Zagato
Body Style
Colours
Registration Numbers	TJ-9001/SAF, OB-8112/SAF, RWV-942-GP/SAF, CMR-454-**/SAF	References	FordDiaJubTour; FineCars M/J 1989; Photos Tony Watson and Noel Fordred

Make	Alfa Romeo	History
Year	1932	Officially passed into hands of Scuderia Ferrari on 21/3/33 (MO 6268). Won the 1933 Mille Miglia, fitted with a Zagato Spider body, after which the Monza body was re-fitted. In 1935 the car was owned by Giacomo Folia (TO 39100), 1937 Nino Cerracchio (FO 8031), sold soon after to Giosue Calamai, who was a famous pilot and husband of the film star Clara Calamai, sold in 1939 to Frederico Stefanelli (FI 21239), sold in Aug of that year to Gina Fossi-Manni, a well known lady driver, acquired by Georgio Castelnuovo in March 1941 and Maria Antoniette Galli in Feb 1943 (RA 9854). Acquired by David Lewis in Jul 1947 in the UK. Raced at Goodwood, Brighton Speed Trials. Wore QB 4004, an import style plate at Goodwood. Registered LLF 27 in July 1950. Purchased sight unseen by an Estate Manager in Northern Rhodesia in 1955 (K-151), either R. Swain or Ken Flint, shipped via Durban. In 1958 it was seen in Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia by Tony Stamer (S-30038). Later for sale with a 2nd hand dealer and acquired by Tony. The car was partly stripped when Tony was transferred to Cape Town, where it was reassembled and used as his only means of transport for a time. Offered for sale through a Cape Town dealer, Tony Kotze, who advertised incorrectly that he had a Monoposto Alfa for sale. Acquired by Johan Hugo, a farmer at Loxton, in the Karoo, who owned the car for some 12 years. Acquired by Tony White in 1974, together with a 4½-litre Bentley (other cars offered in the sale lot were a M-B 540K and a Ford Model T). Sold to Keith Duly in 1977, then through Dan Margulies in 1985 to Albert Obrist. In 1993 Mr. Obrist’s entire car collection was acquired by Bernie Ecclestone. In March 1998 the car was part of the John McCaw collection in Seattle, subsequently going to his brother Bruce.
Model	8C 2300
Chassis No.	2111032
Engine No.	2111032
Coachbuilder
Body Style	Monza
Colours
Registration Numbers		References	Classic Car Africa 6/1; Automobilist 19/3; Alfa Romeo 2.3 book

Make	Alfa Romeo	History
Year	1933	This car is the 1933 Scuderia Ferrari team car, SF28, driven by Nuvolari, who had victories in the 1933 German and Albi Grands prix, also driven at Monaco, when he had a race long dice with Varzi in the Type 51 Bugatti, only to blow up on the last lap. In 1934, was one of four cars prepared by Scuderia Ferrari for sports cars racing, driven by Ghersi and Carroroli in the Mille Miglia (MO 7140); retired between Bologna and Venezia. After the Mille Miglia it was sold to Vittorio Belmondo (TO 33333) used extensively in 1934/35. Distinguishing features are the 5 louvres along the top of the bonnet, the drivers side has long louvers like the sports cars and not the two lines of louvres as on other Monza’s. Sold in March 1936 to Alberto Filippi Gabardi (RE 6405). Purchased by Mario Massacuratti in 1936 and imported to South Africa. Sold Bill Roderick (previously raced a 6C1500), who raced under the Eagle Racing Stable banner in the 3rd SAGP (crashed) and 1st Rand GP (8th) in 1937, 4th SAGP (broken piston) in 1938. Also 3rd in the Silver Springbok Trophy No 1, heat 2, and 4th in the Silver Springbok Trophy, race A at 62.77mph. Roderick also entered a number of other races, gaining one 9th place and a number of non finishes or non starts, he then gave up racing on the request of his father. Sold to Dr. Pretorius then his brother-in-law, Dr Theron, painted black. Acquired by Pierre Kelfkens and sold to Dr. Hugh Gearing in 1950. The car was restored over 3 year with new body panels and painted green with silver wheels, a new radiator surround was made without the characteristic slots. Used extensively on the road and track, including the Krugersdorp Hillclimb, Grand Central and Palmietfontein circuits, attained 1st place in the racing car handicap of the Sports Car Club meeting at Palmietfontein in August 1957. Continued racing at Kyalami until an accident in 1968 that put him in Hospital for some time with a broken back Rebuilt 1976-83 by Arthur Lange and painted red. Sold in 1986 to Klaus Werner. In 1994, Neil Twyman restored the car with the old Brianza panels (made of Magnesium Alloy). The car now has all the 1934 body panels except for one bonnet piece, which was lost in South Africa. The ‘new’ panels were then fitted to 2311233
Model	8C 2600
Chassis No.	2211120
Engine No.	2211120
Coachbuilder	Brianza
Body Style	Monza 2-seater
Colours
Registration Numbers	TJ-55902/SAF	References	Classic Car Africa 6/1; SA Motoring Scene Mar 85; Photo KR Stewart

Make	Alfa Romeo	History
Year	1934	Finished 6th in the 1935 Le Mans 24 Hour, driven by J. Desvignes & G. Don. After race the stark sports racing body was removed and replaced with the present Figoni & Falaschi body, whilst being owned by a Hollander. It is said that during the war the car was buried to avoid it been commandeered. Acquired by George Elkin who took the car to South Africa. Owned for many years by Waldie Greyvensteyn. Taken to the 1986 Mille Miglia, flown across by Alitalia, seized a bearing in the blower on the 2nd day. One of the last 6C 1750s. Later owned by David Cohen of Canada. (One reference [newspaper cutting] shows Elkin as having had the Figoni & Falaschi body fitted?)
Model	6C 1750 Supercharged
Chassis No.
Engine No.
Coachbuilder	Figoni & Falaschi
Body Style	Coupe
Colours	Two Tone Blue
Registration Numbers	OB-260/SAF	References	Automobilist 18/3; Photo Charles Louw

Make	Alfa Romeo	History
Year	1938	Only 41 2.9 twin cam twin supercharged cars were built, of which 10 were on the long chassis and 6 were coupes. Berlinetta by Touring on the long chassis. Body no. 2032. Unique feature is the louvres along the bonnet are extended back into the scuttle, the far from circular fingered spats also distinguish the car and the front wings extend further back than on other Berlinetta’s. Featured in a Touring advert in Auto Italiana, with wheel discs, see issue Aug 10-20 1938, also in the Motor Oct 12 1938. May have been sent to England for the London Motor Show. Originally blue, sold in 1938 to Signor Donegani, an engineer. Said to have crashed before the war but nothing has been found to substantiate this. Re-appeared in Switzerland after the war, and is in all probability the car raced in the event for Swiss Nationals held before the Swiss GP in 1947. The car then seems to have been owned by Wehreli, then Berchtold before being acquired by Adolf Scherz in late 1947. Sold in early 1948 to Frank Griswold of Pennsylvania, who was the American agent for Alfa Romeo and Weber Carbs. Griswold entered the car in the Watkins Glen GP, which he won despite stiff opposition, painted red at this stage. Sold to a lawyer, David Felix, then to David Park in the Philadelphia area. Advertised in March 1956 issue of Road & Track. Changed hands for $1300, possibly to Harold Berger, then sold to Paul Hatman of Missouri. Advertised again in the October 1968 issue of Road & Track by Fred Schreuter (raced in 1963 - VSSCA no1 1998) and acquired by the Vintage Car Store, who sold her to Dr. Donald Vesley. Purchased in 1980 by David Cohen of South Africa, shipped to South Africa and then to England to Tony Merrick for restoration, the chassis being done by Robert Wilson. Re-painted original dark blue. The car's first appearance after the restoration was in 1984 Post Vintage National rally, where it won the concours, was 10th overall and won the trophy for best performance by a continental car.
Model	Supercharged
Chassis No.	412035
Engine No.	422030
Coachbuilder	Touring
Body Style	Berlinetta
Colours
Registration Numbers	DXH-497-T/SAF	References	Automobilist 10/2; Photo Stan Lemmer

Make	Alfa Romeo	History
Year	1947	Acquired by Waldie Greyvensteyn around 1980.
Model	6C 2500
Chassis No.
Engine No.
Coachbuilder	Carozzeria Superleggera Touring
Body Style	Freccia d'Oro
Colours	Red
Registration Numbers	OB-731/SAF	References	CAR Aug 1980; Photo Hans Matter

Make	Alfa Romeo	History
Year	1947	Sold new to South Africa. Imported to Italy in the late 1980s, where the car was restored. For sale on classiccars.co.uk for $225.000.
Model	6C 2500 S
Chassis No.	915464
Engine No.
Coachbuilder	Pininfarina
Body Style	Convertible
Colours	Cream
Registration Numbers		References	www.classiccars.co.uk

Make	Alfa Romeo	History
Year	1948	Long chassis car, owned for 20 years by Dr. Hugh Gearing in Johannesburg. [Is this the ville d'est cabriolet owned by Gigi Lupini???]
Model	6C 2500 Super Sport
Chassis No.
Engine No.
Coachbuilder	Pininfarina
Body Style	2-seater cabriolet
Colours
Registration Numbers	TJ-87341/SAF, DVK-271-T/SAF?	References	Classic Car Africa 1/2

Possibly the Gearing 6C 2500

Make	Alfa Romeo	History
Year	1949	Delivered to Meneghelli Vittorio of Venice on December 13, 1949, this 6C 2500 SS emigrated to South Africa a year later where it was owned by Gigi Lupini. Signor Lupini had competed several times in the Mille Miglia and shortly modified his 6C 2500 SS with a floor shift to compete at Kyalami and in rallies. The cabriolet remained in South Africa’s benign climate until the early 1980s when it was brought to Toronto, Canada by Oliver Collins. It then migrated to New England where it was enthusiastically used and cherished by several well known collectors. Restoration of the body and interior was completed in the early ‘90s, finishing a comprehensive progressive restoration that had begun some years before with restoration of the engine and drivetrain, which are the original components delivered with the car in 1949, documented by correspondence from Italian registration authorities. In 1995 this Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Pinin Farina cabriolet was acquired by the present owner who with his enthusiastic wife, enjoys a select collection of high quality automobiles assembled both from their own passion and handed down from family members. In their ownership many details have been refined. Sold once by the present owner, he and his wife re-acquired it within a year because they 'missed the car'. It has a fresh brake and carburetor rebuild and is, according to the owner, thoroughly sorted out, and now that it is done, we can’t bear to drive it.. Auctioned Amelia Island Sat March 10 2001, $115 000 - Estimate: $125,000-175,000.
Model	6C 2500 Super Sport
Chassis No.
Engine No.
Coachbuilder	Pininfarina
Body Style	Ville d'Est Cabriolet
Colours
Registration Numbers		References

Make	Alfa Romeo	History
Year	1964	Sold to Barwell Auto Ltd., South Africa. 'ground up' restoration by BB Car Restorers in Wynberg, Johannesburg between 1980 and 1985. This car was owned by Gary Dunkerley and Mervyn Middlewick at that point in time. This restoration was an absolutely 'gigantic' task as the car had many parts missing, or damaged beyond repair due to modifications or damage during its racing life on the South African circuits. Sold by owner Mervyn Middlewick for £75,000 in 2000 (in UK?), still in England in 2001. In Holland in 2002. Noted back in England in 2010 with Gordon McCullough, painted Pale Green, registered EGF 473 B
Model	TZ-1
Chassis No.	AR 10511 750017
Engine No.
Coachbuilder
Body Style	Coupe
Colours	Verde Giallo / Nero
Registration Numbers	EGF 473 B,	References	www.alfabb.com

Make	Alfa Romeo	History
Year		Light weight aluminium body, Conrero tuned, raced by Scuderia Lupini. Later owned by Jolyon Simpson
Model	Sprint Veloce
Chassis No.
Engine No.
Coachbuilder
Body Style
Colours
Registration Numbers		References

Make	Alfa Romeo	History
Year		Owned by Jolyon Simpson in 2019
Model	Sprint Tipo 101
Chassis No.
Engine No.
Coachbuilder
Body Style
Colours
Registration Numbers		References

Make	Alfa Romeo	History
Year	1972	Manufactured on the 31st Dec 1972, sold on 14th June 1973 to Alfa Romeo Germany, Frankfurt - Shipped at some stage to Johannesburg, South Africa. Noted for sale in 2020.
Model	Montreal
Chassis No.	AR1427733
Engine No.	AR00564
Coachbuilder
Body Style
Colours	Metallic Silver with grey black in terior - Painted yellow by 2020
Registration Numbers	MNTREAL-GP/SAF	References	Photos and History Brian Noik (oldcar.co.za)

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