Alfa Romeo 111th Anniversary
If you have been following for long enough, you will know that a bit more than a year ago, I tackled a personal project on one of my favourite car brands: Alfa Romeo
Starting a month before the brand’s 110th Anniversary, I started illustrating and sharing one car a day from the marque’s history, trying to convey some of the most important vehicles they released, in a very stylized and simple way, while representing the essence of each one of them.
Today, another year has passed, and we find ourselves celebrating the 111th anniversary of such beloved brand. One you love and you don’t know why, and quoting myself from a Youtube comment a month ago in Frank Stephenson’s Three Greatest Designs video:
The biggest problem with choosing one's three favourite Alfa Romeo designs is that... it's just three.
I once described Alfa Romeo to my wife as a brand you like/love and you can't really pinpoint the reason. It's irrational. It's something more passionate. Like when you love another human being. You can pinpoint things that you like about that person, but if you love them, you just do.
There's no other brand I could have made 30 illustrations in 30 days for their 110th Anniversary while thoroughly enjoying and learning about the brand's history.
That's Alfa Romeo to me ❤️🍀
So I won’t be asking you to let me know which are your favourite Alfa Romeo designs, but I would very much enjoy if you shared with me which of these illustrations do you like the most. I’d love to read your opinion and hopefully, you’ll find something that suits your taste among my art.
Happy birthday, Alfa Romeo! 🥳❤️🍀
The one that started it all:
A.L.F.A. 24 HP
A.L.F.A hired Giuseppe Merosi, a top-class engineer, who specialized in racing engines and worked for some of the most advanced companies at the time. The company developed the 24 HP, which today could be described as a sports sedan.
The vehicle offered a 4.1-liter engine and reached a maximum speed of 62 mph (100 kph), which at the time was a considerable speed.
During the first year a total of 50 units were sold and the vehicle was enrolled in the 1911 Targa Florio competition, where it led for most of the race until an off-road excursion ended its day.
At this time endurance races were the venue in which performance and reliability of new vehicles were tested.
A Time for Exploration:
A.L.F.A. 40/60 HP “Aerodinamica”
The exploration on how to improve aerodynamics of the newly created automotive industry took place. While cars still resembled horse-and-carriage design, a few visionaries started to dream about more extreme and aerodynamic shapes.
The 40-60 HP “Aerodinamica” was commissioned by Count Marco Ricotti of Milan and built by Carrozzeria Castagna, based on an Alfa 40/60 HP vehicle.
The “Aerodinamica” was built entirely of metal, was completely enclosed and had circular windows. The vehicle achieved a top speed of 86 mph (139 kph).
The Post-War I Era:
Alfa Romeo RL Super Sport
The Alfa Romeo RL, developed by Merosi, started production in 1922, becoming the first Alfa Romeo sport model after World War I. The vehicle had a straight-6 engine with overhead valves.
Many versions of the RL were developed – Normale, Turismo, Sport and Super Sport (the one pictured above) – and the model experienced great international success.
The Post-War I Era (II):
Alfa Romeo RL Corsa/Targa Florio
To continue to build the brand, Nicola Romeo was keen to participate in racing. As a result, a race version of the RL was developed.
The RL “Corsa”, renamed Targa Florio after the 1923 victory, was much lighter than the original model and offered innovations such as double carburetors.
The brand also assembled a team of great drivers. The first factory racing team included Ugo Sivocci, Giuseppe Campari, Antonio Ascari and a legendary name in automotive history: Enzo Ferrari.
Early Racing Victories:
Alfa Romeo Grand Prix Tipo P2
Romeo had replaced Alfa Chief Engineer Giuseppe Merosi with Vittorio Jano, who joined the company in 1923, partly thanks to the persuasion of young Alfa racing driver Enzo Ferrari.
Jano’s debut model was the Alfa Romeo Grand Prix Tipo P2, which was powered by Alfa’s first straight 8-cylinder supercharged engine with two carburetors placed after the compressor.
This car won the inaugural Automobile World Championship in 1925, and in total, it won 14 Grands Prix and major races including the Targa Florio and became one of the iconic Grand Prix cars of the decade.
Jano’s engineering trademarks were small and efficient engines, balanced weight distribution and lightweight, precise onroad handling. These values remain at the core of today’s Alfa Romeo.
Early Racing Victories (II):
Alfa Romeo 6C 1500 Super Sport
The P2 was followed by the Alfa Romeo 6C, in reference to the straight 6-cylinder engine.
The 6C 1500 was launched in 1928 followed by the more powerful 6C 1750, which had a top speed of 95 mph (152 kph) and a chassis designed to flex and undulate over uneven surfaces.
The 6C won multiple races in 1929, including Grands Prix of Belgium, Spain, Monza and the Mille Miglia. Most of the cars were sold as rolling chassis and bodied by coachbuilders such as Zagato and Touring Superleggera.
The 6C became an industry milestone in the early ‘30s, winning races and concours d’elegance alike.
From 6 to 8:
Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 Le Mans
Jano was also responsible for the legendary 8C straight 8-cylinder engine with supercharger.
This was the primary racing engine from its introduction in 1931 to its retirement in 1939, and marked with multiple race victories Alfa Romeo’s range of road, race and sports cars of the 1930s.
It was a true ”hypercar” winning the most prestigious races, showcasing best-in-class technology and design: looking at an 8C 2900 Henry Ford said, “When I see an Alfa Romeo go by, I tip my hat.”
The "Monoposto" Is Born:
Alfa Romeo Tipo B - P3
Alfa Romeo developed a new straight-8 engine to be used in the world’s first genuine single-seat Grand Prix racing car.
Engine reliability was undisputed, winning many legendary races such as Mille Miglia, Le Mans 24 Hours, Targa Florio and a long list of international Grands Prix.
In addition, the valuable technical lessons learned from racing were transferred to standard production models.
After The Second War:
Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Freccia d'Oro
The 6C 2500 was the first post-war vehicle built by Alfa Romeo and the version Freccia d’Oro (Golden Arrow) was fully developed by an internal Alfa Romeo department.
Produced at the Portello plant in 1947, the vehicle featured design cues that would become distinctive milestones such as the union of the central shield with the two lateral air intakes.
Formula 1 Wins:
Alfa Romeo Tipo 159 Alfetta
In 1950, the new Formula 1 World Championship was inaugurated, and for the Tipo 158 – known as “Alfetta” – it meant 11 victories in 11 races, with Giuseppe “Nino” Farina winning the title.
In 1951, Juan Manuel Fangio (sharing name and country of birth with yours truly ) won the title in the Tipo 159, with the most powerful 1500 engine ever made: 425-hp and a top speed of 190 mph.
These victories cemented Alfa Romeo’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the world of racing.
Family Sedan That Wins Races:
Alfa Romeo 1900 Berlina
The 1900 made its debut on the market, as the first Alfa Romeo car made on an assembly line and produced without a separate chassis.
Introduced at the 1950 Paris Motor Show, it was the first Alfa Romeo offered with left-hand drive and was labelled as “the family sedan that wins races”.
The Expansion:
Alfa Romeo 1900 C52 "Disco Volante" Coupe prototype
While Alfa Romeo retired from Grand Prix racing, the company developed a series of experimental sports racing cars: The Alfa Romeo 1900 C52 “Disco Volante” (Italian for “Flying Saucer”).
The car had a streamlined, wind tunnel-tested bodywork and was capable of reaching a speed of almost 150 mph (241 kph).
Three spiders were made in 1952, with a 2-liter all-alloy four-cylinder engine.
A year later one was modified into a coupé, and another one into a more conventional-looking spider with 3-liter 6-cylinder engine.
Four of the five futuristic looking cars built in total survive today.
The Expansion (II):
Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint
The Giulietta Sprint was introduced in 1954 at the Turin Motor Show, along with a Spider (1955) and a berlina (1955).
It offered performance and handling unknown in the segment and it sold so well that orders had to be suspended just a few days after it was introduced.
Also, the lines of the Alfa Romeo Spider become a symbol of Italian-made cars in the ‘50s.
The Giulietta is one of the icons of the post-war automotive renaissance and of the “Dolce Vita” years: people called it “the Italian sweetheart.”
Other Giulietta derivatives were produced during this period, including the Sprint Veloce, the Giulietta Sprint Speciale, the TI and the lighter, faster and race-ready Giulietta SZ.
A Star is Born:
Alfa Romeo Giulia TI Super
Eight years after the success of the Giulietta, Alfa Romeo unveiled the Giulia TI at the Monza Autodrome on June 27, 1962.
With a record drag coefficient of 0.34, weighing 2,205 pounds (1,000 kilograms) and packing a 1570 cc engine, Giulia was well-known for its lively handling, acceleration, safety and overall driving dynamics among small European sedans.
The sales success of the Giulia prompted Alfa Romeo to expand the shop floor and open a new plant in Arese near Milan. This plant became Alfa Romeo’s head office until 1986.
A Star is Born (II):
Alfa Romeo Spider 1600
At the end of its long career, the Giulia and its multiple derivatives – such as the Sprint GT, the Spider Duetto (1966) and the Super – reached the outstanding goal of one million units produced.
The Spider Duetto is arguably the most famous of the models, as it was the iconic sports car driven by Dustin Hoffman in the 1967 Hollywood movie, The Graduate. Just 6,325 units of the Spider 1600 were built.
The model was replaced by the 1750 Spider Veloce, the Spider 1300 Junior and the 2000 Spider Veloce, manufactured until 1994.
Autodelta:
Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ2
While expanding production in volume segments, true to its heritage, Alfa Romeo’s racing activities continued throughout the decade. In 1961 Autodelta was created and became Alfa Romeo’s racing department.
The team was victorious on tracks worldwide with models such as the Giulia TZ – which stands for Tubular Zagato (1963) – and TZ 2 (1965). The models were part of the company’s effort to compete in the Grand Turismo category.
Autodelta (II):
Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA
Autodelta also developed the Giulia GTA, “A” standing for “Alleggerita” or lightweight in Italian.
With a weight of only 1,642 pounds (745 kilograms), the GTA had aluminum body panels instead of steel, magnesium alloy wheels and clear plastic side windows.
The GTA versions were manufactured in either street (Stradale) or pure race (Corsa) trim often tuned by Autodelta.
The Giulia GTA won seven European Championships and multiple international races, becoming one of the most iconic Alfa Romeos ever.
For the brand it represented a new paradigm: the everyday car that wins races. The slogan at the time was “Una vittoria al giorno con la macchina di tutti i giorni” (a victory each day with the everyday car).
Autodelta (III):
Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale
In 1967, a new sports-car debuted: The Tipo 33. This was a sports racing prototype fielded by factory-backed teams. During its 10-year career, the Tipo 33 won the World Championships in 1975 and 1977.
The Tipo 33 not only won races, it also inspired one of the biggest icons of the Alfa Romeo brand: the 33 Stradale (Italian for “road-going”).
Built entirely by hand and with mid-engine configuration, the Stradale was one of the world’s first supercars, with a top speed of 162 mph (260 kph). Only 18 vehicles were built, but this small run had a huge impact for the brand.
Still today, the 33 Stradale is one of the highest expressions of a mid-engine sports coupé.
New Segments:
Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV
Production of the Alfetta started in Arese in 1972. This sporty sedan with sophisticated mechanicals (front engine, rear-wheel drive, De Dion rear axle and transaxle) was a leader in its segment for many years.
The Alfetta GT (1974), GTV (1975), followed by the Alfa 75 (Milano in the U.S.) were the backbone of production at the Arese plant.
New Segments (II):
Alfa Romeo Montreal
Passion for performance – on the street and at the race-track – continued in the 1970s. Inspired by the Montreal “Expo” prototype unveiled in 1967, the brand launched the production version of the Montreal in 1970.
Featuring aggressive lines, a V8 racing-derived engine and great performance, the Montreal was one of the iconic grand tourers of the ‘70s.
A New Company:
Alfa Romeo 164
In 1986 Fiat Group acquired Alfa Romeo, which produced the brand-new 164 four-door sedan (1987). The vehicle was designed by Pininfarina and manufactured at the plant in Arese.
A New Company (II):
Alfa Romeo 156 GTA
Based on the Alfa Romeo 156, a front-wheel-drive sedan penned by Walter De’Silva that won European Car of the Year in 1998 and was a commercial success, Alfa Romeo developed the race-ready 156 D2 model.
With 310 hp, six-speed sequential gearbox, standard split differential and a weight of 2,150 pounds (975 kilograms), the vehicle captured 13 touring championships in Italy and Europe.
Car of the Year:
Alfa Romeo 147 GTA
Another European Car of the Year for the brand was the 147, which was launched at the 2000 Turin Motor Show. Originally presented as a three-door only, it was soon joined by a five-door.
In true Alfa Romeo style, sportier versions of the 147 were soon available. With a powerful 3.2-liter V6 engine, the 147 GTA was an immediate success among the “hot hatch” segment.
Car of the Year (II):
Alfa Romeo GT
Presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 2003, the Alfa GT was designed by Bertone and was a four-seat coupe, with a style concept reminiscent of the Giulietta Sprint.
Car of the Year (III):
Alfa Romeo Brera
Another vehicle presented at the Geneva show, first as a concept designed by Giugiaro, was the Alfa Romeo Brera. This vehicle marked the company’s return to the 2+2 coupe segment.
The vehicle offered a panoramic glazed roof and electronic stability and traction control standard on all versions.
Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione
At the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, another icon was born, when the company presented the 8C Competizione.
When the production vehicle saw the light of day in 2007, featuring a Ferrari-based 4.7-liter 450-hp V8, this supercar was for collectors and a handful of lucky owners, with only 500 units produced.
It was joined by the 8C Spider in 2008, which maintained the same mechanical features and performance as the coupe.
The first part of its name refers to the architecture of the eight-cylinder engine that dominated the race circuits in the ‘30s and ‘40s.
The other section paid homage to the 6C 2500 Competizione Coupe that Fangio drove in 1950s Mille Miglia races. The vehicle boasted a maximum speed of almost 185 mph (300 km/h).
Alfa Romeo MiTo
Designed by fellow countryman (and like Fangio, sharing name with yours truly) Juan Manuel Diaz at Centro Stile Alfa Romeo. He dreamt about designing a "mini-8C", as he shared with Autoblog some years ago.
The MiTo was named using a portmanteau of Milano (Milan) & Torino (Turin), because it was designed in the former and was assembled in the latter.
It's front-wheel drive, with a system allowing the driver to choose three settings: Dynamic, Normal, and All-Weather. The system, marketed as "Alfa DNA," tunes the behavior of the engine, brakes, steering, suspension and gearbox.
The Centenary:
Alfa Romeo Giulietta
To celebrate its centenary in 2010, the brand revived the Giulietta. The Alfa Romeo Style Centre designed the new Giulietta, with my friend Matteo Licata (https://roadster-life.com) being in charge of the interior design theme, no less.
It's a five-door hatchback, capable of expressing both agility and a high degree of comfort on everyday roads.
Using sophisticated suspension solutions, dual-pinion active steering, and state of the art manufacturing technologies, the Giulietta achieved excellent levels of on-board comfort, dynamic features and safety (both active and passive).
The Centenary (II):
Alfa Romeo 4C
In 2015 the highly anticipated 4C mid-engine coupe debuted, replete with a hand-built carbon fiber/aluminum monocoque structure, a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission and a 1.75-liter turbo 4-cylinder with 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Weighing roughly 2,400 pounds (1,089 kg), the 4C was capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in just over 4.0 seconds.
A year later, Alfa Romeo introduced the 4C Spider, which delivered the same exhilarating performance as the coupe while adding only 22 pounds of curb weight.
The Centenary (III):
Alfa Romeo Giulia
The Giulia name returned in 2016, with a world-class high-performance sport sedan featuring a standard 2.0-liter 280-hp turbo engine.
In the upper end, the Giulia had a Quadrifoglio version with a Ferrari-derived 2.9-liter 505-hp twin-turbo V6. It won both the 2018 Motor Trend Car of the Year award as well as a spot on the Car and Driver 2018 10 Best Cars list.
110th Anniversary:
Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA
A year ago today, Alfa Romeo turned 110 years old. Alfa Romeo unveiled the Giulia GTA the previous March: a limited-edition high-performance sedan that harkens back to the famous 1965 Giulia Sprint GTA, which dominated sports car racing in its time.
GTA, which stands for “Gran Turismo Alleggerita” or Gran Touring Lightened, represents weight savings of around 220 pounds (100 kg) as well as an increase of roughly 30 horsepower from the Ferrari-derived twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6.
The result is an incredible weight-to-power ratio of just 6.2 lb/hp.