Despite being almost 100 years old, the 1921 Alfa Romeo G1 is capable of an impressive 86mph.
It was designed to compete with luxury models from the US and UK but due to high fuel costs and road taxes, just 50 production models and two prototypes were built.
This model, known as chassis no. 6018, is the earliest known example and was delivered new to Australia.
It was discovered on a farm in the late 1940s before being hidden once again until 1965 when it was bought by an Alfa Romeo enthusiast.
Now US-based, the G1 has participated in numerous events around the world including the Mille Miglia and the Goodwood Members Meeting in Sussex.
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It will be sold by RM Sotheby’s in Arizona on January 18 with the auction house giving it a guide price of around £750,000.
A statement from RM Sotheby’s said: “This exciting, powerful, and oldest-known surviving Alfa Romeo presents a rare opportunity for the discerning automotive connoisseur to own a historic machine that will be a welcome entrant at not only the world’s leading concours d’elegance, but also vintage rally events where it will certainly be the center of attention, as well as an absolute blast to drive.”
Alfa started building production cars to support its racing activities.
The open-top two-seater, described as a “well-appointed vehicle”, was designed by Giuseppe Merosi and powered by a 6.3-litre engine which developed 70bhp.
It was fitted with a four-speed gearbox and was capable of hitting 86mph.
However, the car wasn’t a success because, post World War One, Italy was struggling due to political and economical chaos and customers were reluctant to buy an expensive car which was a thirst fuel drinker.
As a result, all 50 production models were exported to Australia.