Presidential Precision: Boano's Craftsmanship for Juan Perón

Unique ONES - In the wake of World War II's turbulence, the world of coachbuilding faced its own set of challenges. Once the exclusive domain of third-party artisans, the landscape shifted as manufacturers began unveiling their luxury car designs directly from their own styling houses. This change posed a significant hurdle for traditional coachbuilders seeking exclusive contracts.

The Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 CM (Competizione Maggiorata) by Boano Torino commissioned in 1954 for the President of Argentina, Juan Domingo Perón. (Picture from: VeloceToday)

Among these artisans was Boano Turino, a dynamic Italian coachbuilt workshop founded in 1954 in Turin by Mario Boano and his son Gianpaolo. Despite its relatively short existence, Boano swiftly gained recognition for its original designs and collaborations with prestigious European and American brands. Mario Boano's wealth of experience, garnered from renowned firms like Pininfarina and Ghia, played a crucial role in shaping the company's trajectory.

The Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 CM Coupe with Colli bodywork, which the Argentinian Juan Manuel Fangio raced at Le Mans in 1953, provided the chassis for the Boano coupe. (Picture from: Auto.cz)

Boano's ascent to prominence was propelled by its groundbreaking work on the Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 CM (Competizione Maggiorata). Commissioned in 1954 for the President of Argentina, Juan Perón, this sleek masterpiece captivated the automotive world with its impressive speed and craftsmanship, firmly establishing Boano as a leading force in car design.

The Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 CM Spyder with Colli bodywork was powered by a 3.5-liter straight-six engine, one of which clinched victory at the 1953 Supercortemaggiore. (Picture from: Auto.cz)

The genesis of the 3000 CM can be traced back to Alfa Romeo's pursuit of the ultimate race car, rooted in the pre-war 6C 1750 and later 6C 2500 SS models. However, the 3000 CM boasted a larger 3.5-liter engine, nearly doubling the horsepower of its predecessor. Equipped with independent suspension on a shortened wheelbase, it showcased Alfa Romeo's commitment to high-performance racing.

The President of Argentina, Juan Domingo Peròn testing his new car at the Autodromo de Buenos Aires in 1955. (Picture from: VeloceToday)

Several coupes crafted by Carrozzeria Colli for the 1953 Mille Miglia showcased the 3000 CM's prowess, with one securing a remarkable second-place finish overall. Despite stiff competition from Lancia and Ferrari, the 3000 CMs demonstrated their speed at Le Mans, achieving a top speed of 154 mph on the Mulsanne Straight, although all ultimately retired from the race.

The Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 CM Boano coupe had a wheelbase of 2,250 mm and a front and rear wheel track of 1,310 mm. (Picture from: Auto.cz)

Post-Le Mans, Colli also crafted several spiders for Alfa Romeo, one of which clinched victory at the 1953 Supercortemaggiore, driven by Juan Manuel Fangio. Additionally, most of the Colli Coupes underwent rebodying. One was fitted with a Zagato Coupe for Joakim Bonnier, while another one underwent a transformation at the hands of Pininfarina, becoming the Superflow concept car.

The Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 CM Boano coupe's flowing rear was dominated by a large rear window, split in the middle. (Picture from: Auto.cz)

One received a new Boano body and was presented to President Juan Perón of Argentina, reportedly inspired by the Touring bodied Alfa Romeo Disco Volante. Unfortunately, it was later involved in two accident events but ultimately survived to this day after being rebuilt with a Berlinetta Colli replica body.  

The Boano coupe was badly damaged twice. The first time in Buenos Aires after a collision with a bus and the second time in 1984. (Picture from: VeloceToday)

On September 16th 1955, Peròn was ousted from office by the Revolución Libertadora, fleeing to Paraguay. Subsequently, his belongings, including the 3000 CM, were confiscated and later auctioned off.

The Perón's Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 CM Boano coupe, now with a replica of the original Berlinetta Colli body, had a second crash when it hit trees during the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix in 1984. (Picture from: VeloceToday)

Boano's legacy endures through Mario Boano's ability to pass on his expertise to his son Gianpaolo, enabling the company to collaborate with leading body manufacturers and produce innovative designs that continue to shape the automotive world. | yItvnOKlWkc |

Boano's commitment to excellence and innovation distinguishes it, leaving behind a legacy celebrated by enthusiasts and historians alike for its enduring impact on automotive history. As we reflect on Boano's journey, we are reminded of the timeless allure of its creations, standing as a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of a bygone era. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | VIARETRO | VELOCETODAY | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | AUTO.CZ | RACINGSPORTSCARS | SUPERCARS.NET ]

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