1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Supercharged Super Sport Spider by Zagato

Description Auction details Terms & conditions Important information

1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Supercharged Super Sport Spider by ZagatoReg. no. JYH 98Chassis no. 0312931For 1929, as a natural development, the 1750 6C replaced the 1500; the increase in displacement brought an increase in power, with upwards of 75mph within reach for most versions. The most potent of the 1929 models was the ‘Super Sport Compressore’ – of which JYH 98 is an example. These cars were supercharged – ‘compressore’ being the Italian for supercharger – and with their lightweight construction, 85bhp output, and sporty bodies, were good for 90mph. Indeed, such was the success of the new model that in that year’s Mille Miglia, six of the top ten finishers were 6Cs, the race being won by Giuseppe Campari and Giulio Ramponi in a 1750 Super Sport. Other notable victories followed, with the 24 Hours of Spa Francorchamps, the 12 Hours of San Sebastian and Grand Prix of Ireland all being conquered in 1929, while the RAC Tourist Trophy and another Spa success followed in 1930. The Super Sport evolved into the Gran Sport in 1930, claiming yet more famous victories – none more famous perhaps than Tazio Nuvolari’s win in that year’s Mille Miglia, where he drove for many miles in the dark with the headlights off, following his teammate Achille Varzi. Near the end, he turned them on and caught Varzi completely by surprise, and swept past to claim victory – just one of the many great motor racing tales involving Alfa 6Cs.As mentioned above, JYH 98 is from the first-year of 1750 production, and with its Zagato body and Super Sport Compressore specification, is the most sporting and desirable 6C offered that year. The car’s early history is mostly unknown; the old logbook in the file lists its first registration in the UK as the 16th of June 1948, and the importer is noted separately as Chipstead Motors of London. It is from this point that the car’s story is well-documented. The first owner was John Pitcher of Wrangle in Lincolnshire; there is a letter on file where he states that he purchased the car from Reg Parnell of Derby. Between 1951 and 1957, the car passed through the hands of no fewer than eight owners.In May 1961, the car finally found a long-term home, when it was acquired by the late Michael Hirst, from whose estate the car is now offered. When Mr Hirst acquired the car, it was fitted with a Ford V8 – the simple, mass-produced side-valve V8 quite a contrast to the exquisite, double-overhead-cam unit with which it left the factory! Correspondence reveals that the original engine suffered an unfortunate and terminal blow-up in the early 1950s. When sold in 1951 by Chiltern Cars to Mr R J Hedges of Spaxton, Somerset, the 1750 engine was still in place; two years later, however, when sold to S.A Hurrell, again from Chiltern Cars, the engine was gone. The ex-War Department Ford V8 was duly fitted, before the car was sold on again to Delta Garages of Leighton Buzzard in 1955.As can be imagined, Mr Hirst had quite a task on his hands to return his new purchase to something approaching original form. Work proceeded rapidly however; a replacement engine was sourced – engine number 121215071, a 1933 1750 SS unit – and this was duly rebuilt. By summer 1964, the car was ready for a drive to Italy to visit the Alfa Romeo factory in Milan. There, it was inspected by Alfa staff, and it was positively identified as a 3rd Series 1750 SS of 1929, chassis number 0312931, and still wearing its original Zagato body. There is a letter on file from Alfa Romeo concerning this, dated 17th September 1964. Mr Hirst replied on 25th September, pointing out that 0332931, not 0312931, is stamped on the front dumb-iron; on 3rd October, Alfa Romeo replied, confirming their original identification of 0312931 – stating with confidence that the 3 was either a simple factory error or a later modification. Another example of the extensive correspondence with Alfa Romeo concerns the cylinder block; Mr Hirst reported that, on the long drive back from Milan, it overheated on the famous St Bernard Pass and cracked, and inquired about making one in steel with cast-iron liners. Alfa duly sent him a drawing of the cylinder block, for reference should he wish to make a replacement.Correspondence also reveals a tantalizing trace of possible competition history. When it was suggested that perhaps this car had been driven at Brooklands in 1929 by that year’s joint Mille Miglia winner Giulio Ramponi, Alfa got in contact with his engineer from that time, Mr Perfetti. He confirmed that he probably tested the car in 1929, as this was his task, but that it was unclear whether the car was the one Ramponi raced at Brooklands.During the many years that Mr Hirst owned and enjoyed the car, he and his wife Jo were stalwarts of what was then the Alfa Romeo Section of the VSCC, attending many events both in the UK and abroad. As proprietor of Frenchay Garage, Mr Hirst was well-placed both to keep his own car in excellent running condition, and to support others. Little used in recent years due to ill health and Mr Hirst’s subsequent passing, the car does however remain in a very good state, as befits a much-loved car from long-term enthusiast ownership.The car is now offered as an extremely rare opportunity to acquire a 1750 SS 6C, still with its original Zagato body, that has not changed hands for sixty years. It comes with excellent provenance, with the chassis and body confirmed by Alfa Romeo as original, and the engine identified as a proper 1750 SS unit that has now been in the car for the majority of its life. The history file contains the correspondence mentioned above, plus several old logbooks and MOTs, and a large quantity of photographs taken over the course of the Hirsts’ long ownership.

Showell Farm

Showell

Chippenham

Wiltshire

SN15 2NU

United Kingdom

23 May 2021 10:00 BST

Lots: 501-600

20 May 2021 10:00 - 17:00 BST

21 May 2021 10:00 - 17:00 BST

22 May 2021 09:00 - 17:00 BST

Auction currency	GBP
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CONDITIONS OF SALE

1. Definitions. In these Conditions Richard Edmonds Auctions act only as auctioneers and agents for the seller and the representative of Richard Edmonds Auctions conducting the auction is called the ‘Auctioneer’

2. General. Whilst Richard Edmonds Auctions make every effort to ensure the accuracy of their catalogues and the description of any lot:-
(a) Each lot as set out in the catalogue or as divided of combined with any other lot or lots is sold by the seller with all faults, imperfections and errors of description.
(b) The Richard Edmonds Auctions do not accept responsibility for the authenticity, attribution, genuineness, origin, authorship, date, age, period, condition or quality of and lot unless they have been instructed in writing by the seller to so certify, and in such cases the Auctioneers do so as agents of the seller and are not themselves responsible for such claims.
(c) All statements, whether printed in the catalogue or made orally as to any of the matters set out in the above are statements of opinion only and are not to be taken as being, or implying any warrenties or representations of fact by Richard Edmonds Auctions unless they have been instructed in writing by the seller so to certify.
(d) Any claim under such statute must be received in writing by the auctioneers within seven of the day of the sale.

3. The Auction
(a) The Auctioneers have absolute discretion to divide any lot, to combine and two or more lots or to withdraw any lot or lots from the sale, to refuse bids, regulate bidding or cancel the sale without in any case giving any reason or without previous notice. He may bid on behalf of the seller for all goods which are being offered subject to reserve or at the Auctioneer’s discretion.
(b) The highest bidder shall be the buyer except in the case of a dispute. The Auctioneer may at his sole discretion determine the advance of the bidding or refuse a bid. If during the auction the Auctioneer considers that a dispute has arisen, he has absolute discretion to settle it or re offer the lot.
(c) Each lot is put up for sale subject to any reserve price placed by the seller. Where no reserve has been placed the seller has the right to bid either personally or by any one person on his behalf (who may be the Auctioneer)
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SELLERS CONDITIONS

8. Instructions. As Richard Edmonds Auctions are auctioneers all goods delivered to Richard Edmonds Auctions’ premises will be deemed to be delivered for sale by auction unless stated in writing and will be catalogued and sold at Richard Edmonds Auctions without reserve and accepted by Richard Edmonds Auctions subject to all the Sale Conditions. By delivering the goods to Richard Edmonds Auctions for inclusion in their auction sales each seller acknowledges that he or she has accepted and agreed to be bound by all these conditions. Unsaleable items will be disposed of without further reference to the seller.

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(a) All goods on Richard Edmonds Auctions’ premises and in their custody will be held insured against the risk of fire, burglary and water damage for which insurance Richard Edmonds Auctions will charge a premium of £1 per £100 (minimum £1) plus VAT. The value of the goods so covered shall be the gross amount realised, or in the case of unsold lots the best bid, or in the case of loss prior to sale, the reserve price. When no reserve has been fixed, at that price which the staff of Richard Edmonds Auctions shall at their absolute discretion estimate to be the auction value of such goods.
(b) Richard Edmonds Auctions shall not be responsible for damage to or the loss, theft or destruction of any goods not so insured upon the owner’s instructions.
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(d) In respect of any article delivered to Richard Edmonds Auctions if the seller has in force a policy or policies of insurance in which the article is specifically mentioned as being insured whether or not for an agreed sum or value, the seller shall notify his insurers of, and shall himself note Richard Edmonds Auctions interest as bailee’s in such policy or policies
(e) Richard Edmonds Auctions reserve the right to settle any legitimate claim by their own methods, not necessarily through their insurers.
(f) Accidental damage and breakages by persons attending viewing or sale day must be paid for by that person. If they refuse then the auctioneer may forward their address to the seller to effect recovery.

14. Reserves.
(a) All goods are put up for sale WITHOUT RESERVE unless written instructions as to reserve are received by Richard Edmonds Auctions prior to the commencement of the sale using the entry form.
(b) In the event of any reserve price not being reached at auction Richard Edmonds Auctions are empowered to sell after the auction, by private treaty, at not less than the reserve price, as long as the goods remain on Richard Edmonds Auctions’ sale site. In the event of such a sale by private treaty the Conditions of Sale applicable to a buyer governing the auction will apply. The usual commissions will be deducted.

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17. The seller authorises the Auctioneer to deduct commission and expenses at the standard rate from the hammer price and acknowledges the Auctioneer’s right to retain any premium payable by the buyer.

18. Rights to Photographs and illustration. The seller gives Richard Edmonds Auctions full and absolute right to photograph and illustrate any lot placed in its hands for sale at any time at its absolute discretion (whether or not in connection with the auction).

BUYERS CONDITIONS

19. Inspection. Opportunity is given for inspection and each buyer by making a bid for a lot acknowledges that he has satisfied himself fully before bidding by inspection or otherwise to all the Sale Conditions, the physical condition of and description of the lot including but not restricted to whether the lot is damaged or has been repaired or restored.

20. Property and Risk and Registration. The legal title in a lot shall not pass to the buyer until the lot(s) has been paid for in full and the Auctioneers shall be entitled to a lien on any lot sold until the purchase price (as defined in 23 below) is paid in full but each lot is at the sole risk of the buyer from the fall of the hammer. Each buyer shall have given his full names and permanent address and be called upon by the Auctioneer forthwith to pay Richard Edmonds Auctions the purchase price. If the buyer fails to do so, the lot may at the Auctioneer’s sole discretion be put up again and re-sold.

21. Every bidder shall be deemed to act as principal unless there is in force a written acknowledgement by Richard Edmonds Auctions that he acts as agent on behalf of a named principal.

22. Removal of goods.
(a) No purchase shall be claimed or removed until the sale has been concluded, unless permission is given. All lots shall be paid for and removed at the buyer’s risk and expense by the end of the sale day, failing which the Auctioneer shall not be responsible if the same are lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, and all lots not so removed shall remain at the risk of the buyer and subject to a warehousing charge. If they are not paid for and removed within five days of the sale the Auctioneer may re-sell or rescind them by auction or privately without notice to the buyer. Any liability which there may be on the part of the Auctioneer in respect of any loss shall be restricted to a maximum of the price paid by the buyer of the lot.
(b) In the event of any failure of the buyer to comply with any of these conditions the damages recoverable by the seller or the Auctioneers from the defaulters shall include any loss arising on the resale of the lots together with the charges and expenses in respect of both sales and together with interest at 2% above The Bank Base Rate upon the price of any lot which has not been paid for, and any money deposited in part payment shall be held by the Auctioneers on account of the liability of the defaulters to them or to the seller. The Auctioneers are unable to accept payment from successful bidders other than in cash, credit/debit card or by the bidder’s own cheque. Cheques drawn by third parties, whether in the Auctioneer’s favour or requiring endorsement cannot be accepted.
(c) NO GOODS WILL BE REMOVED UNTIL CHEQUES HAVE BEEN CLEARED.

23. Purchase Price. The buyer shall pay the hammer price together with a premium of 10% or 16.667% (as stated at time of sale) of the hammer price (adjusted for VAT as necessary). The premium attracts VAT at the standard rate and is payable by all buyers. THIS IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

24. Commission to Bid. Richard Edmonds Auctions will execute bids on behalf of all intending buyers unable to attend the sale at no charge. Richard Edmonds Auctions undertake to purchase lots as cheaply as allowed by other bids and reserves. Bids must be submitted in writing and whilst every care is taken in carrying out instructions Richard Edmonds Auctions cannot be held responsible for errors and omissions made in carrying out such bids. Commission bids will not be accepted by persons who have not inspected lots and are subject to all conditions.

Buyer's Premium on cars 12% including VAT

Notes for this sale:

Buyer's premium 12% inc VAT on motorcars.

Viewing this sale is by appointment only, as we need to regulate numbers to maintain a Covid-safe environment. Attendance at this sale is also by prior booking, we are allowed just 100 bidders in the room, so please call to book your place.

Collection of lots: all lots may be removed once payment has been received in full. Cars must be removed by 12 noon on Tuesday 25th, after which time cars will be removed to a store, the cost of which will be passed on to the successful bidder.

Please note: We no longer accept credit cards.

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email: info@shippio.com

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Buying at Richard Edmonds Auctions

Bidding over the telephone

Telephone bids must be booked at least 48 hours in advance. They are available on a first-come-first-served basis and may be subject to a minimum lot value. You will need to complete a Telephone Bid Form (PDF file) and post to us, scan into and email to us along with two proofs of identity: copy of your passport or driver's licence and a credit card. On the day of the sale, a Richard Edmonds Auctions representative will telephone you about five lots before your lots come under the hammer.

Commission Bids

Commission bids must be received at least 48 hours in advance. Please complete a Commission Bid Form (PDF file), giving your maximum price limit for the lot/lots you are interested in. This must be scanned into an email, posted to us or faxed along with a minimum of two proofs of identity which can be a passport or driver's licence and a credit card. Please remember that a buyer's premium and VAT will be added. If we receive two bids of equal value, preference is given to the bid that arrives first.

Please call the office on 01249 444 544 if less that 48hrs before the sale.

Online Bidding

Online bidding will be available via the-saleroom.com, they will levy a 6% charge on spares and 1% on bikes.