Classic Cars
From Italy
ALFA ROMEO AUTOMOBILES S.p.A.
The A.L.F.A. (Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili) was born in
June 1910 but was shortly forced to undertake military contracts.
(*1)
The Alfa Romeo name was adopted in 1920, 4 years after Nicola Romeo took control of the company and
during the period when the company was still making military and locomotive machinery.
It is worth noting that Enzo Ferrari was one of the early racing car
drivers for ALFA.
there are certainly a few really nice examples of the early ALFA, such as the
1910 24HP, the RM of 1923 and the 6C 1750 GTC Touring of 1931, but all
with such low production numbers that I have rejected their listing here.
This 6C 2300 Sport Cabriolet of 1947 is the first selection for these historic
pages.
The 6C range, referring of course to the straight 6 engine, were produced
between 1925 and 1954 with no less than 7 models, each with at least 5
variances. Production numbers are not to be found.
The 8C 2900B Berlinetta of 1938 was the winner at the 1948 Watkins Glen
International Raceway and also judged "Best of the Show" at two concours d'elegance in
America in 2008 and 2009.
The Berlinetta's design was very similar to the BC 2900B Le Mans Speciale built
in the same year, which was one of very few coupe designs ever to race at Le Mans.
The Alfa 1900 series of 10 distinct models were extremely popular with 21,304 being
sold between 1950 and 1959.
You can see why they sold so well - my selection of the best of this series are firstly
at top,
the 1900 SS Ghia of 1954 and at bottom, the
1900C Super of 1956.
All cars in the series were produced with either a 1884cc or 1975cc engine and
with either 4 or 5 speed manual transmission.
The chassis was specially designed to allow independent coachbuilders to re-body
which gave rise to
a large number of additional shapes and sizes, frequently without reference to their origins.
Between 1954 and 1965 Alfa produced the Giulietta series
comprising 6 models all using a straight 4 cylinder 1290cc engine. There
were 2 Spider models produced from 1955, 2 Sprint models including the amazing
Speciale, a Coupe and my favourite, the Berlina.
Some will say it is sacreligous to only show 1 of each of the following. All
magnificent creatures in their own right, one day I may be able to include
pictures of each one.
(*top) the
spectacular 1955 Giulietta Spider,
(*left) the
Giulietta Sprint Speciale of 1957,
(*left) the tiny 4 door Berlina of 1955
may not be in the same league as the more sporty Spiders and Sprints but as a 4 door saloon, it
remains highly revered to this day.
The 102 series comprised only 3 models, the Berlina 4 door sedan, the inevitable
Spider for which Alfa Romeo had become renowned, and late during the 1958 to
1961 production period, the Spring.
These are collector's dreams because only small numbers were produced. Only
3,443 Spiders like this model were sold because of their high price.
Between 1962 and 1978 the Series 105 presented this compact 4 door Giulia Super 1300 which also came
with manual transmission 1600cc and a 1800cc diesel engine. The series
typically included a Spider, a Sprint and the Sprint Speciale.
The 105 series was produced in conjunction with the 115 series
The
huge variety of models left me with no choice but to show my personal favourites
awaiting demands from my Forum before I add more models.
Many
will argue that the Alfasud should be included here because it sold nearly
900,000 units during its 18 year period from 1971. I have always believed that
the Alfetta was a better car, better design and better handling despite selling
half the number during a 15 year period from 1972. Prior to 1980, the
Alfetta came in 4 cylinder, 4 door sedan, 2 door coupe, GT and GTV with at least
19 variations. Pictured at left is the Alfetta 1.6 GT of 1979 of which just
under 17,000 units are reported to have been sold..
Ever since a beautifully restored 1979 GT beat my 1970 Beemer into second place at a concours
d'elegence in Australia many years ago, the Alfas have been a love/hate
relationship with me.
However, this selection is made with much joy because after that
sad incident, I grew to admire the Alfas for their genuine elegance.
Join my Forum and have your say.
Nominate your preference; Take a poll.
See my Blog.
References
*1 -
Wikipedia
*2 -
Alfa Romeo Cars