NICE PRICE: Supercharged Pre-WW2 Alfa Romeo Torpedo Expected to Sell for Over £3.75 Million
NICE PRICE: Supercharged Pre-WW2 Alfa Romeo Torpedo Expected to Sell for Over £3.75 Million In the world of classic automobiles, few names command the respect and admiration of Alfa Romeo. And when a pre-WW2 supercharged Alfa Romeo Torpedo comes up for auction, the global car collector community takes notice. This month, a meticulously restored example of this ultra-rare classic sportscar is set to make headlines as it crosses the auction block, with bids anticipated to exceed £3.75 million.
A Slice of Automotive History
Built in the early 1930s, the Alfa Romeo Torpedo is an enduring symbol of Italian craftsmanship, engineering brilliance, and pre-war luxury. This particular model, equipped with a factory-original supercharged engine, represents the pinnacle of performance from its era. Originally designed for both high society road tours and competitive racing, the Torpedo was an advanced machine far ahead of its time.
Only a limited number of these supercharged variants were ever produced, and fewer still have survived in such immaculate condition. Experts believe this may be one of the last remaining original examples with matching chassis and engine numbers—an important detail that significantly boosts its value among purists.
Racing Pedigree and Timeless Design
The Torpedo’s design is a masterclass in early 20th-century automotive aesthetics. With sweeping fenders, a long hood, and a tapered rear, the car exudes elegance and power in equal measure. Its wire-spoked wheels and rich, hand-crafted leather interior reflect an era when motoring was as much about style as speed.
Under the bonnet lies a supercharged inline-8 engine, capable of producing a then-staggering 180 horsepower. While that may not seem like much by today’s standards, it made the Torpedo a serious performer in its day—capable of reaching speeds over 100 mph, a rarity in the 1930s.
The Road to Auction
This particular Alfa Romeo Torpedo has an extraordinary provenance. Previously owned by an Italian aristocrat and later kept in a private European collection, the vehicle has been cared for meticulously over the decades. In recent years, it underwent a multi-year, frame-off restoration by a renowned classic car specialist. Everything from the engine to the stitching on the seats was restored to exact original specifications.
The upcoming auction, hosted by Bonhams in London, has already generated significant buzz among collectors and enthusiasts alike. With pre-auction estimates suggesting a final price of over £3.75 million, it may well become one of the most expensive pre-WW2 Alfa Romeos ever sold at public auction.
Why It’s Worth Every Penny
So what justifies the staggering price tag? Beyond its rarity and mechanical brilliance, the supercharged Alfa Romeo Torpedo embodies a bygone era of motoring—one where craftsmanship, performance, and luxury were seamlessly blended. For serious collectors, it’s not just a car; it’s a mobile piece of art and history.
As modern cars become increasingly automated and digitized, the appeal of owning a machine built with raw mechanical soul only grows stronger. Driving—or even displaying—a vehicle like the Torpedo connects owners to a time when the open road was a place of pure adventure.
Final Thoughts
The sale of this supercharged Alfa Romeo Torpedo is more than just a headline—it’s a celebration of automotive heritage. Whether it ends up in a museum, a private garage, or makes appearances at Concours d’Elegance events worldwide, its legacy is assured.
If you’re a fan of classic sportscars or a collector with deep pockets, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For the rest of us, it’s a chance to appreciate one of the most breathtaking creations in automotive history.