The curved lines formerly complemented by Claretta Petacci

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Some cars have a history that takes real detective work to unravel, and others are easier when they have been driven by famous racing drivers and the history books record every detail. But the car being offered at Retromobile in February by RM Auctions has links with power, politics, sex and execution.
(editorial note: the author strongly advises against using Google Images to find photos of Claretta Petacci)

When Benito Mussolini wanted to give his mistress a gift in 1939, he turned to Alfa Romeo and chose a 6C 2500 Sport Berlinetta with stunning coachwork by Touring. The lucky lady was Claretta Petacci , the daughter of a Vatican doctor, and had first met Mussolini when she was just 19 and he was 48. It was in 1936 that she became his principal and permanent concubine and was entitled to bodyguards, a chauffeur and quarters at the Palazzo Venezia.

The car's stunning lines befitted a lady who also had beautiful curves. Its 6C 2500cc motor beneath the long bonnet emitting that glorious growl with a fancy flourish at the rear on the wheel spats.

Their passionate love affair was to last until the bitter end when Claretta elected to stay by Mussolini’s side when they were captured during an attempted escape to Spain in the Alfa Romeo. They were both executed and the car was seized by the Italian authorities before being sold to an American Army Air Corps Officer who shipped it to the States.

It was once saved from a US scrapyard for $300 in the 1960s but eventually ended up in the hands of an owner who had it properly and lovingly restored and Claretta’s original chauffeur flew to America with his wife to verify the car was the one bought by Mussolini. Sure enough, he recognised his old tool-kit in the boot.

I shall travel to Paris in february and enjoy having a close look at this car with such a fascinating history and perhaps raise a glass to the special lady who enjoyed it for just a few short years.

Text Robin Batchelor. Pictures courtesy RM Auctions.

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