Alfa Romeo is a famous name, though not one that America has had a chance to become familiar with. So it may be missed on some the importance of the 1921 Alfa Romeo G1, the first ever Alfa Romeo model, and its heading to auction.

Having been removed from decades-long storage and traded hands a number of times, the 1921 G1 will be going to auction at RM Sotheby's in January. It's sure to fetch a high price, considering out of the 52 G1s ever made, this is the last one to remain in a complete and functioning condition.

This particular G1 is an early production model, brandishing chassis number 6018 and a 6.3-liter inline-6 pushing out 80 horsepower. While that may not seem like much in today's statistics, that's a pretty powerful ride for the 20s. After production, it was sent to Austrailia where is lived until the 60s. Ross Flewell-Smith, Alfa Romeo Enthusiast, purchased the car in 1965.

Smitch had the car restored in the 70s, and again in the 2000s. He would travel with the G1, showcasing it at various motor events. Now Smith has decided its time to sell the timeless beauty.

The 1921 G1 is being offered by RM Sotheby's with no reserve, not that it will much matter. The rarity of such an item will no doubt attract hight bidders. The house predicts that the vehicle will reach an approximate price of $1.5 million when it goes up on Phoenix, Arizona, this January.