Editing Alfa Romeo RL & RM/Chassis Registry/Chassis/RM/12023

= Alfa Romeo RM Four-Wheel Drive Winter Sports Half-Track chassis 12023 =

{{ChassisEntry
| manufacturer = Alfa Romeo
| model = Alfa Romeo RL & RM
| variant = RM Prototype / Four-Wheel Drive Half-Track
| year = 1924 (possibly late 1923)
| chassis = 12023
| engine = 12023
| gearbox = Alfa Romeo 4-speed manual with auxiliary dual-range transmission
| body = Open touring body with rear seating
| coachbuilder = Unknown (factory-based conversion)

| engine_size_original = 1,944 cc
| engine_size_current  = 1,944 cc (modified to dry sump specification)

| body_style_original = Open four-seat winter sports tourer
| body_style_current  = Open four-seat half-track configuration

| colour_original = Unknown
| colour_current  = Patinated original finish

| interior_original = Period specification
| interior_current  = Original patinated trim

| first_completed = Early 1924 (possibly late 1923 prototype range)
| first_delivered = Exported new to United States
| first_destination = New England, USA
| original_registration = Unknown

| notes_short = RM chassis 12023; early production-range number; fitted from new with Kégresse-Hinstin licensed half-track system; believed unique surviving Alfa Romeo four-wheel-drive half-track.

| blurb = An extraordinary Alfa Romeo RM chassis 12023 fitted with a Kégresse-Hinstin licensed half-track system, believed to be the sole surviving Alfa Romeo four-wheel-drive winter sports vehicle.

| registry_page = Alfa Romeo RL & RM/Chassis Registry
}}

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== Ownership history ==

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! No. !! Owner !! Location !! Occupation / Notes !! From !! To
|-
| 1 || First owner (name unconfirmed) || New England, USA || Reportedly exported new for winter mountain use || c.1924 || Unknown
|-
| 2 || Long-term private ownership || New England, USA || Retained in largely original condition for decades || Mid-20th century || Late 20th century
|-
| 3 || Subsequent private owner || USA / UK || Imported for specialist inspection and preservation || Late 20th century || —
|}

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== Registration history ==

No confirmed period registration records documented.

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== Competition history (period) ==

No competition history recorded. Vehicle believed constructed for winter transport and sporting use rather than racing.

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== Appearances and non-competitive events ==

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Event !! Driver(s) / Exhibitor !! Notes
|-
| 2005 || Retromobile (reference comparison) || — || Early Kégresse licence numbers compared with Sahara Citroën exhibits
|}

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== Technical specification and drivetrain configuration ==

Chassis 12023 is based upon the Alfa Romeo RM production chassis, using the standard 1,944 cc four-cylinder overhead-valve engine. The engine was modified to dry sump lubrication, presumably to accommodate steep gradients and lateral inclines encountered in mountainous terrain.

The drivetrain incorporates:

* Alfa Romeo 4-speed gearbox
* Original RM transmission brake
* Secondary transmission housing incorporating dual-range gearing
* Propeller shaft driving rear track mechanism

The track assembly is based upon the Kégresse-Hinstin system, manufactured under licence from André Citroën. A plaque mounted on the bogie reads:

“Propulseur – Kegresse-Hinstin (Licence 48) André Citroën”

Front wheel hubs display the Citroën gear motif.

The Kégresse concept, developed by Adolphe Kégresse for Tsar Nicholas II, utilised flexible track systems to enable reliable travel over snow and soft terrain.

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== Chassis and production context ==

RM chassis numbers are recorded as running from 12001 to 12265 (1923–1924 production). Early numbers are believed to have been allocated to prototype or special-purpose builds.

At chassis number 12023, this vehicle likely dates to very early 1924 or possibly late 1923 production.

The exceptionally low Kégresse licence number (48) further suggests early adaptation of the system.

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== Condition and preservation ==

The vehicle survives in largely original condition:

* Original patinated rear seating and grab handles
* Period wooden skis designed to be mounted beneath the front wheels for difficult snow terrain
* Complete track and transmission assemblies

Following inspection by Alfa Romeo specialist Jim Stokes (UK), the engine was reported to start readily by hand crank with good oil pressure, and the drivetrain was described as operational.

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== Historical significance ==

Chassis 12023 represents an extraordinary and highly unconventional application of the Alfa Romeo RM platform.

Believed to be the sole surviving Alfa Romeo four-wheel-drive half-track, it reflects an experimental or special-order adaptation intended for winter mountain use, most likely in North America.

Its survival in largely unmodified condition provides rare insight into early interwar experimentation with alternative driveline and mobility solutions. The integration of Alfa Romeo engineering with licensed Kégresse track technology makes it a unique hybrid of Italian and French mechanical innovation.

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== Notes ==

* Described in auction literature as the only surviving Alfa Romeo half-track.
* Early RM chassis number suggests possible prototype or special build status.
* Dry sump conversion likely period modification.
* Export documentation and factory build records require further archival confirmation.
* Total RM production approximately 1923–1925 within chassis range 12001–12265.

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== Sources ==

* Auction catalogue description (1924 Alfa Romeo RM Four Wheel Drive Winter Sports Half Track)
* Inspection notes (Jim Stokes, UK)
* RM chassis production data (1923–1924)
* Kégresse-Hinstin historical records