Alfa Romeo's place in motoring history began in 1906 under the name of Societa Anonima Italiana Darracq (SAID) founded by French entrepreneur Alexandre Darracq. The cars produced were unsuited for local conditions, unreliable and underpowered. Within three years, the company was on the brink of bankruptcy and changed its name to Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili or A.L.F.A.
After the 1st world war, the future of the company seemed bleak. An industrialist and mining engineer named Nicola Romeo stepped in, bought into A.L.F.A. and took over as managing director. A.L.F.A. was then making tractors, aero-engines, railway equipment and compressors and car-making then was a distant reminder of the pre-war days.
In 1918, there was no demand for Romeo's products as the war had ended. Cars were in short supply and the car market was booming. Romeo turned to car production and managed to produce cars from 1914 parts stored during the outbreak of war. However, new designs and marketing strategies were badly needed. A new name was also needed as A.L.F.A was outdated. Romeo was linked with heavy industrial engineering with no significance to car buyers. Nicola Romeo found the perfect solution by combining the links of the past with the future as part of an engineering group well respected for its high quality and efficiency.
Thus, Alfa Romeo of Milan was born.
"ALFA: the word itself is an entire program, or rather, the clear explanation of a program. It designates the first letter of the alphabet, the symbol of a starting point, the beginning of something, a new life taking shape..."
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| 1910 - 1920: |
1920: Torpedo 20-30 HP The very first car produced with the Alfa Romeo logo.
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| 1920 - 1930: |
From 1929 to 1931, the Alfa 6C 1750 remains unchallenged in all the races in the Mille Miglia Sports category. Peter Hull, in his History of Alfa Romeo (1970) wrote of the 1750: "Cars as beautiful and exciting as beautiful women do not generally come without their faults. But in this respect the Alfa 1750 is an exception". |
| 1930 - 1940: |
Alfa plants are modernised, mass production begins, and lorries and buses are also produced.
Sporting activity is affected by the political climate and sanctions – Mussolini bans Italian drivers from racing in France. |
| 1940 - 1950: |
With show-business personalities behind the wheel, Alfa Romeo becomes a success symbol.
1949: Alfa 6C 2500 Super Sport Ville d'Este wins the car design style contest of the same name.
Alfetta: World champion in 1950 and 1951. Manuel Fangio declares, "The Alfetta is the best racing car I have ever driven." |
| 1950 - 1960: |
Giulietta: Most advanced Alfa Romeo technologies concentrated into a space of only 1300cc.
New models of Alfa sports cars are highly sought after, sparking off 'Alfamania'. |
| 1960 - 1970: |
The Giulia 1600 Sprint is born, and the Alfa 6C 1750 is revamped.
In 1966: The 1600 Spider is renamed as 'Duetto'. In May, three models are shipped to America to be launched.
Duetto makes its American Cinema debut in "The Graduate" (1967), which stars Dustin Hoffman. |
| 1970 - 1980: |
Due to its outstanding performance, the Italian, Swiss and Malayan police forces chose Alfa Romeo as the ideal car for emergency situations.
In 1978: The Giulietta is featured in "Vaggio con Anita" (1978), which stars Goldie Hawn. "Giulia" police cars are used in other films during car chases and getaways, one cinema classic being the original Italian Job.
Giorgio Bocca calls Alfa cars "exciting", and adds that the Alfetta "had a perfect system for wheel balance on bends."
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