Alfa Romeo 6C 1500 SS chassis 0312.917

Alfa Romeo 6C 1500 SS chassis 0312.917 is a 1929 Super Sport originally described as a torpedo (drophead 4-seater), with James Young coachwork and significant early UK competition history.

Factory specification

Year: 1929
Model: Alfa Romeo 6C 1500
Variant: 6C 1500 SS
Body style: Torpedo / Spyder / Cabriolet (TT body)
Chassis number: 0312.917
Engine number: Not definitively recorded (see notes)
Coachbuilder: James Young (described new as torpedo by Carlton Carriage Ltd.)
Exterior colour: Blue
Interior: Blue
Registration number(s): GH8878; possibly UV5647 (uncertain)
Registration country: United Kingdom
Pictures documented: Not recorded

Early history and competition use

Described from new as a torpedo (drophead 4-seater) by "Carlton Carriage Ltd.", the car was raced in 1929 and 1930.

Early owner:

Earl Howe (later Lord Howe)

The car was reportedly fitted at times with a testa fissa ("fixed head") engine. This design eliminated the head gasket, allowing a higher compression ratio and reducing a common racing failure point. In period, such special components were often regarded as remaining the property of Alfa Romeo even if the car was sold to a private entrant.

The registration number was changed during 1930. The car subsequently passed through various UK owners, and the engine was changed during the 1930s. The chassis has remained in the United Kingdom since.

Chassis and engine identity complexities

Another car later became known in the UK as "0312917" based on use of engine 0312917 beginning circa 1938 in a chassis numbered 0332975 (frame number at left front).

The true chassis number (normally stamped at the right rear) is not recorded and may not have been present.

During the 1960s, engine 0312917 was reportedly returned to its original chassis. That chassis/frame was eventually fitted with engine 10814381.

This car last appeared in available notes when offered at auction in 2009.

Further clarification is required regarding whether registration UV5647 belongs to this chassis or to the second car associated with engine 0312917.

Ownership history

Owner	Location	Notes
Earl Howe	United Kingdom	Early owner; raced 1929–1930
Various subsequent owners	United Kingdom	Registration changed in 1930; engine replaced during 1930s

Registry classification

6C 1500 SS
James Young-bodied torpedo (TT body)
Early UK competition history
Complex chassis/engine identity history

Chassis registry reference

See: Alfa Romeo 6C 1500/Chassis Registry