A truly exceptional Alfa Romeo 6C 2300, in completely original and matching-numbers condition, with elegant Touring Superleggera coachwork. What makes this car particularly significant is its documented provenance: it was delivered on April 16, 1935, to none other than Captain Gabriele d’Annunzio (“The Poet”), Prince of Monte Nevoso, and remained in his possession until February 17, 1940, when it passed to the Fondazione Vittoriale degli Italiani in Gardone Riviera.

This particular car is believed to be one of only four 6C 2300 Turismos bodied in 1935 by Carrozzeria Touring with an aerodynamic design. The car became known by the evocative nickname “Soffio di Satana” (Satan’s Breath), a name given by Felice Bianchi Anderloni of Touring, highlighting the car’s sinuous lines and spirited presence. D’Annunzio, enchanted by its form, insisted on receiving one even though the first unit had already been sold—leading Touring to build him another example. Mechanically, the 6C 2300 was a highly advanced car for its time. Designed by Vittorio Jano, it featured a 2.3-liter inline-six engine with twin overhead camshafts, mounted to a rigid yet lightweight chassis with independent front suspension. Its Touring Superleggera bodywork was made using an innovative construction method—thin aluminum panels over a lattice of steel tubes—resulting in a sleek and light design that significantly improved performance and road handling.

The bodyline is unmistakably pre-war Italian: flowing fenders, integrated spare wheel arches, a long tapered tail, and a compact greenhouse. Inside, the cabin reveals refined details including polished wood trim, art deco switchgear, silver-rimmed lighting, and even a manually operated curtain for rear privacy—mounted on the steering column. The historical importance of this car is beyond question. Not only is it a rare surviving example of Touring’s aerodynamic bodywork on the 6C 2300 Turismo, but it is also directly tied to one of Italy’s most iconic literary and political figures. D’Annunzio’s ownership adds a layer of cultural value that few classic cars can rival. After his death, the car remained preserved within the Fondazione Vittoriale, making it a well-documented piece of both automotive and national history. Find it for sale somewhere in Italy.