The Alfa Romeo 2600 (Tipo 106) was the six-cylinder flagship of Alfa Romeo from 1962 to 1968. It succeeded the Alfa Romeo 2000 and was the last Alfa Romeo fitted with a straight-six engine with twin overhead camshafts. It came as the Berlina saloon, the Spider and the Sprint coupé. This page covers the key facts, the history, the variants and the questions people ask most often.
Alfa Romeo 2600 at a glance
| Manufacturer | Alfa Romeo |
|---|---|
| Type | Tipo 106, six-cylinder flagship |
| Production years | 1962–1968 |
| Predecessor | Alfa Romeo 2000 |
| Engine | All-alloy 2.6-litre straight six, twin overhead camshafts |
| Power (Berlina) | 130 bhp (97 kW), with two carburettors |
The English article gives 130 bhp for the Berlina. The Sprint and Spider engines had different output, which is not repeated here.
History
The 2600 was introduced at the 1962 Geneva Motor Show in three forms: the Berlina saloon with a factory-built body, the Spider, a two-plus-two convertible with a body by Carrozzeria Touring, and the Sprint, a coupé with a body by Bertone. A convertible based on the Sprint was shown by Bertone in 1963, but it did not enter production.
In 1965 the limited-edition 2600 SZ, with a fastback body by Zagato, and the very limited 2600 De Luxe, with a five-window sedan body by OSI, were introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Design and features
- A brand-new all-alloy six-cylinder engine with twin overhead camshafts, replacing the earlier four-cylinder engine.
- The Berlina, Spider and Sprint were based on the 2000 range, with minor facelifts to the styling.
- The straight-six was the last Alfa Romeo engine of this type with twin overhead camshafts.
Variants
- 2600 Berlina: the factory-built saloon, from 1962.
- 2600 Spider: the convertible with Touring bodywork.
- 2600 Sprint: the Bertone coupé.
- 2600 SZ (Sprint Zagato): limited edition with Zagato bodywork, 1965.
- 2600 De Luxe: very limited five-window sedan by OSI, 1965.
See also: the Alfa Romeo collection.
Alfa Romeo 2600 questions and answers
When was the 2600 built?
From 1962 to 1968.
What did the 2600 replace?
The Alfa Romeo 2000.
What was special about its engine?
It was the last Alfa Romeo with a straight-six engine with twin overhead camshafts.
Sources
- Alfa Romeo 2600, English Wikipedia: production 1962–1968, Geneva launch, body variants, 2600 SZ and De Luxe, engine, 130 bhp Berlina
- 1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 Berlina, Wikimedia Commons: photo and licence
