1958 Alfa Romeo 2 Autotutto

This fascinating example was built in September 1958 and sold in December of that year to the Associazione Volontari Italiani del Sangue (AVIS). AVIS was, and is, the leading Italian non-profit organisation involved in arranging blood donations. With its special “clerestory” high roofed body built by Colli, the Milan coachbuilder, this Autotutto was used as a mobile blood transfusion clinic by AVIS for a number of years. At that stage this Romeo was powered by the innovative, twin-cylinder, supercharged diesel unit.

After its withdrawal from AVIS service, there is an intriguing gap in the Autotutto’s history. It is thought to have undergone a camper van conversion in the 1980s and also had its original diesel engine replaced with a 1,290cc petrol twin-cam engine from the Giulietta during this period.

It was in this trim that the current owner acquired the Autotutto in Italy in the early 1990s. As an Alfa Romeo specialist and connoisseur, he was attracted by the specialist Colli body, believing it to be the only one of its kind remaining. He also saw the potential to develop the Autotutto into a quasi-replica of the Alfa Romeo factory service and competition support vans which were used in Italy and the USA in the late 50s and early 60s.

The current owner then embarked upon a body off restoration in order to achieve these plans. A 1,570cc Giulia 105 series engine was also fitted in around 2008. This engine has considerably more torque than the 1290cc unit, with the aim of making it easier to drive over medium to long distances. Having been diligently restored, both bodily and mechanically, and repainted in its current livery, the company undertaking the work went into liquidation before the project was fully completed. The current owner has now decided to let someone else complete the minor tasks required in order to finish this fascinating project.

The owner believes that as this Romeo has been previously registered in Italy under the Piacenza registration of "PC 33116", it may well be possible to import it back into the E.U. without payment of any import duties or taxes. If this is your attention, however, we would recommend you checking its status for yourself before bidding.

The Autotutto presents in an eye-catching two-tone livery strongly reminiscent of the Alfa Romeo factory service and competition support vans of days gone by. The bright yellow of the main body contrasts dramatically with the Alfa Romeo 501 red of the roof section and radiator grill. The quality of the paint and bodywork appears commensurate with the diligent processes followed during the restoration.

The body was removed from the chassis and stripped of all components. The original body paint was removed by dry stripping using plastic media. Everything was then corrosion treated by blast cleaning with garnet media. This was followed by the immediate application of aviation grade clear zinc phosphate anti-corrosion treatment to bodyshell, and panels. The body metalwork was repaired where necessary and then primed and painted yellow with Alfa 501 red for the bonnet, clerestory upper and roof sections.

The striking livery helps showcase the remarkable, bespoke Colli bodywork. The clerestory high roof design incorporates additional windows at the roof level with a longer body behind the rear axle. During the restoration some of the rear side and clerestory windows were panelled in to increase the available space for promotional or evocation sign writing. Installation of a typical Colli type hinged external door to the battery locker was also fitted.

The combination of that amazing Colli body and the high-quality and eye-catching restored livery makes this rare classic commercial a guaranteed head turner and conversation starter.

The interior of the Autotutto is full of surprises and charming period flourishes. During the restoration the whole cabin and load area was repainted in a factory faithful hammered effect grey / silver finish. The rear hinged doors open widely to reveal embossed Romeo steel door panels punctuated with chromed door furniture.

The widely spaced seats are finished with black vinyl covers and edged with cream piping. Between the seats is the four-speed manual gear lever and handbrake. Ahead of these sits the removable cover for the in-cab engine bay.

The Italianate flourishes include the tinted Perspex sun visors reminiscent of more exotic conveyances. The embossed Alfa Romeo pedal rubbers and accelerator resembling a Vespa foot pedal all adds to the mystique and charm of this rare van.

An open bulkhead arrangement allows easy access to the cavernous looking load bay from the cab. This features a ribbed steel, painted floor with that high roof design providing ample and unexpected headroom. This area can also be accessed via an outward opening, single piece rear door. The included, and pictured, inner window surrounds are included but not currently fitted. This is one of the few, relatively minor jobs remaining in order to finish the project.

As previously mentioned, it is not just that sublime bespoke bodywork that has received the diligent attention of the restorers. The mechanical systems have also undergone a thorough refurbishment and recommissioning. 

The current replacement Giulia 1570cc engine has been dismantled and carefully rebuilt by an Alfa Romeo specialist with new pistons and liners, bearings, timing chains and water pump. The four-speed gearbox / transaxle has been dismantled, inspected and given a clean bill of health. A new clutch plate is believed to have been fitted and a new Autosparks wiring harness has been installed. A 123 electronic ignition and new Weber replacement single choke carburettor are also present together with a high-capacity stainless steel fuel tank (approx. 100% increase) and Bendix type electric fuel pump.

All brake system hydraulics have been overhauled and wheel and master cylinders replaced with new components. The brake shoes have been re-lined in original Ferodo material, and all metal brake pipes and flexible hoses have been replaced with new items. The wheel bearings and oil seals have been replaced with SKF or similar items and the steering system has been checked and track-rod ends replaced where required.

The engine bay and underside appear admirably presentable. The owner does note a crack (pictured) in the cast-iron exhaust manifold, however. Considering the lack of space in that area, a tubular manifold may make a good replacement solution.

The Romeo was first registered in the UK in October 2001. As such the current V5 registration document is present. Classified as a Historic Vehicle, the Autotutto is considered MoT and VED exempt in the UK.

Other fascinating paperwork includes an Alfa Romeo dating document, copies of the Italian registration plate and supporting paperwork. The original Italian handbook, parts book and workshop manual are also on hand. A number of period and contemporary photographs are included.

There is every chance that you may have never seen a Romeo Autotutto before. They are a truly vanishingly rare sight in the UK. It is almost certain that you have never seen one with a Colli high roofed body like the one on offer here today. Thought to be the only remaining example in this configuration, this is a bona fide classic commercial unicorn with few equals.

This example has enjoyed a diligent restoration with just a few outstanding jobs and some minor absent parts standing between it and completion. None of these would appear to detract from the immediate enjoyment to be had from this outstanding classic commercial vehicle. We estimate that it will sell for £25,000-£30,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Colwall, Herefordshire. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.