While total production of the 6C 2300B Mille Miglia stretched to just 107 units—with the majority clothed in either Berlinetta or Spider coachwork by Touring of Milan—this magnificent example of the former, chassis number 815053, left the Portello works in April 1938.

Its early ownership is unknown, most likely due to the onset of World War II, but it is first recorded as being owned by Herr Hoffer of Geneva in 1946.

In 1953, Herr Hoffer sold the car to Jean-Louis Fatio, for the princely sum of 500 Swiss francs.

According to correspondence on file, in 1957, Monsieur Fatio sold the car to his friend and fellow Geneva resident Michel Dovaz, who re-registered this Alfa Romeo in France in August 1958.

Dovaz—a prominent wine expert and food critic—would retain the car for more than three decades.

During this time he amassed a highly unusual and desirable collection of more than 50 vintage and classic cars, all of which were kept in original unrestored condition at his estate in Villema...