Alfa Romeo 1900 Esse Esse Zetas: A Post-War Racing Icon
Iconic Motion - The golden decade of the 1950s was more than just a time of booming culture, post-war optimism, and technological leaps. For Europe, it was also an age when car racing became a fever that spread across borders. Every weekend seemed to bring another race, from the legendary Mille Miglia to countless local competitions, drawing in not only professional teams but also daring individuals who simply wanted to test their machines and themselves. This atmosphere of speed and excitement set the stage for one of Alfa Romeo’s most memorable creations: the Alfa Romeo 1900 “Esse Esse Zetas.”
This Alfa Romeo 1900 SSZ (Super Sprint Zagato) is one of the 39 examples crafted by Carrozzeria Zagato between 1954 and 1957.(Picture from: FabWheelsDigest)
Alfa Romeo, already a respected name for its engineering precision and Italian flair, had a growing number of customers who didn’t just want a beautiful road car. They wanted something built for racing—sleek, fast, and uncompromising. To answer this demand, the brand partnered with Carrozzeria Zagato, a Milanese coachbuilder celebrated for its lightweight designs influenced by aviation. The collaboration promised something special, and what emerged was nothing short of remarkable.
The Alfa Romeo 1900 SSZ (Super Sprint Zagato) grabbed instant success by winning the gruelling multi-stage Stella Alpina in 1954 with Galluzzi at the wheel.(Picture from: FabWheelsDigest)
The result was the Alfa Romeo 1900 SSZ, also affectionately called “Esse Esse Zetas.”The car quickly proved its potential by conquering the demanding Stella Alpina race, driven by Galluzzi, which instantly put it on the map. Alfa’s own test driver, Consalvo Sanesi, soon validated its performance, convincing the company’s leaders to green-light a small production run. Only a select few would ever be built, but their impact would be outsized.
The Alfa Romeo 1900 SSZ (Super Sprint Zagato) features a beautiful interior predominantly finished in light-brown genuine leather.(Picture from: FabWheelsDigest)
What made this machine so compelling wasn’t just its racing pedigree but its unique combination of design and power. Zagato shaped the car’s body in lightweight aluminum, refining every curve for aerodynamic efficiency. The signature double-bubble roof—a Zagato trademark—was not just stylish but functional, reducing drag while giving extra headroom for helmeted drivers. Beneath the sculpted exterior lay Alfa’s most potent version of the 1900 engine, the SuperSport. This 1,975 cc DOHC inline-four, fed by Weber carburetors, delivered 115 horsepower, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. For the 1950s, that meant thrilling speed and a visceral driving experience.
The Alfa Romeo 1900 SSZ (Super Sprint Zagato) uses a 1,975 cc DOHC inline four-cylinder engine paired with Weber carburetors and a five-speed manual transmission.(Picture from: FabWheelsDigest)
The engineering didn’t stop at the engine. Independent front suspension with double A-arms and coil springs, along with a live-axle rear setup, gave the car precise handling. Hydraulic shock absorbers and four-wheel drum brakes made sure that speed was matched with control. It was the balance of beauty, power, and dynamics that made the 1900 SSZ stand out, even in an era overflowing with extraordinary sports cars.
The Alfa Romeo 1900 SSZ (Super Sprint Zagato) is one of the most dynamic post-war sports cars ever created.(Picture from: FabWheelsDigest)
Between 1954 and 1957, just 39 of these Zagato-bodied coupes were built, with two additional bare chassis left unfinished. This rarity has only added to their mystique. Today, the “Esse Esse Zetas” is revered not just as a racing car but as one of the finest examples of Italian post-war design. Collectors see it as a crown jewel, and its presence at prestigious auctions continues to draw awe. In fact, when one of these cars surfaced at RM Sotheby’s in Arizona in 2016, its estimated value reached up to $1.8 million—a testament to how coveted it has become among enthusiasts.
Decades later, the Alfa Romeo 1900 “Esse Esse Zetas” still embodies the spirit of its time: fearless, elegant, and built to race. It remains a reminder of how collaboration between visionary engineers and inspired designers can produce something timeless. For those lucky enough to encounter one today, whether on display or roaring down a track, the car is more than metal and mechanics—it is history, art, and adrenaline rolled into one unforgettable machine. *** [EKA [06092020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ZAGATO | RM SOTHEBY'S | CARSTYLING.RU | FABWHEELSDIGEST | SUPERCARS.NET | KIDSTON.COM ]
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Alfa Romeo 1900 Esse Esse Zetas: A Post-War Racing Icon
Alfa Romeo, already a respected name for its engineering precision and Italian flair, had a growing number of customers who didn’t just want a beautiful road car. They wanted something built for racing—sleek, fast, and uncompromising. To answer this demand, the brand partnered with Carrozzeria Zagato, a Milanese coachbuilder celebrated for its lightweight designs influenced by aviation. The collaboration promised something special, and what emerged was nothing short of remarkable.
Decades later, the Alfa Romeo 1900 “Esse Esse Zetas” still embodies the spirit of its time: fearless, elegant, and built to race. It remains a reminder of how collaboration between visionary engineers and inspired designers can produce something timeless. For those lucky enough to encounter one today, whether on display or roaring down a track, the car is more than metal and mechanics—it is history, art, and adrenaline rolled into one unforgettable machine. *** [EKA [06092020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ZAGATO | RM SOTHEBY'S | CARSTYLING.RU | FABWHEELSDIGEST | SUPERCARS.NET | KIDSTON.COM ]
