110 years Alfa Romeo
01/15/2021
The 110 years of Alfa Romeo: 110 years of endearing passion and resolve
Alfa Romeo's history is dotted with incredible highlights and equally mind-altering lows. This is to be expected over a 110-year time span but what is perhaps most impressive of all is the car company's resolve to remain true to its roots and keep the passion alive.
Highs, lows, and luck
Despite a pair of wars, and some setbacks, Alfa Romeo has managed to set numerous benchmarks in many disciplines. Established in Milan, Italy, on June 24, 1910 as A.L.F.A. (Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili - "Lombard Automobile Factory, Public Company"), the company's very first car, the 1910 24 HP, rose to certain fame after an impressive performance in the following year's Targa Florio.
In 1915, Nicola Romeo, a young entrepreneur from Naples, arrived just ahead of World War 1, but would only see his name added to the company's once the War was over, in 1919. While a hindrance, Alfa Romeo quickly made up for lost time with the RL which would launch for 1923. This car was to further the brand's motorsports agenda and also introduce Enzo Ferrari as a member of their first factory racing team.
It was around this time that the quadrifoglio (four-leaf clover) was painted on the race cars as a good-luck charm. A number of exceptional cars such as the P2, 6C, 8C, and many others went on to win countless races wherever they were entered during the 1920s and 1930s. The worldwide recession of 1929 and the start of World War II 10 years later hampered growth but by 1947, Alfa Romeo introduced the superb 6C 2500.
Going mainstream
In 1950, F1 racing was a priority however Alfa also focused on introducing the 1900. The company became a full-scale manufacturer around the same time and launched the Giulietta Sprint in 1954. It and its many iterations arrived in the US and its success spawned the Giulia which would go on to sell more than a million units.
By the time the 1970s rolled around, Alfa Romeo had hit its stride and introduced some truly memorable cars in the compact Alfasud, Alfetta and others. Motorsports such as F1 continued to be a driving force behind the brand.
In the mid-1980s, the company became part of the Fiat empire and would spawn the 164, then the 156. By the early 2000s, the 147 joined the family and it, like the 156, would gain recognition as potent competitors in various racing series. The 2000s also introduced spectacular cars like the Brera and the exotic 8C Competizione. They paved the way for today's modern collection of Alfa Romeos.
The 4C, 4C Spider, Giulia, and Stelvio quickly garnered countless awards, as did their predecessors, for their stunning styling and impressive performance.