Latest revision as of 14:25, 14 February 2026

Alfa Romeo 6C 1500 chassis 0111.522

Alfa Romeo 6C 1500 chassis 0111.522 is a 1928 Alfa Romeo 6C 1500 originally supplied in Normale specification and later extensively modified for competition use in Australia. Known as the “Little Alfa”, the car has remained in Australia since its export from Italy in 1928.

Factory specification

Year: 1928
Model: Alfa Romeo 6C 1500
Type: Spyder Normale (original configuration)
Chassis number: 0111.522
Engine number: Unknown
Original body: Fabric body by Martin & King (Melbourne)
Original colour: Red
Interior: Tan

The car was imported to Australia in 1928 in chassis form.

Coachwork evolution

Chassis 0111.522 has undergone several body transformations during its life:

1928 – Fabric road body by Martin & King (Melbourne)
1945 – Steel body by Terdichs (Melbourne)
Later – Two-seater sports body by Kellow Falkiner
Subsequently – Aluminium single-seater racing body by Bob Baker (with pointed tail)

The current identity of the car is strongly associated with its competition configuration rather than its original touring form.

Competition development

Following the death of his father, Lex Dentry took over the car and began converting it for competition use.

Modifications included:

Shortened chassis
Lightened braking system
Rear axle replaced with unit from a 1750 SS Alfa
Rootes cabin-mounted supercharger fitted
Engine repositioned approximately six inches rearward

The chassis was then entrusted to race body-builder Bob Baker, who constructed a distinctive aluminium single-seater body with pointed tail.

Due to these modifications, the car became known as the “Little Alfa”.

Competition history

The car’s first recorded competition outing was at Balcombe, where it finished second in its semi-final.

Although developed as a competition machine, it saw limited racing activity, as the Alfa Romeo P3 later became the primary competition car within the same circle. Subsequent acquisition of an AGP-winning HWM Jaguar further reduced the car’s front-line use.

Later history and restoration

The “Little Alfa” remained within the Davison family for many years, moving between properties before eventually undergoing restoration by Nick Langford’s restoration business in Castlemaine.

The restored car made its debut in December 1979.

After decades within the Davison family, the car was sold but remains in Australia. Since its export from Italy in 1928, it has had an entirely Australian history.

Historical significance

Chassis 0111.522 represents an important example of an Australian-developed Alfa Romeo competition special. Its evolution reflects the ingenuity of Australian racing culture during the interwar and immediate post-war period.

Rather than preserving its original Italian touring configuration, the car embodies the adaptive and competitive spirit of its Australian custodians.

Chassis registry reference

See: Alfa Romeo 6C 1500/Chassis Registry