Italian car manufacturer Alfa Romeo has just celebrated its 100th birthday. The brand has now become synonymous with high quality and sophistication but how did it all begin? Here’s a brief history of one of the most popular car manufacturers in the world; Alfa Romeo.
Alfa Romeo Automobiles was founded on 24th June, 1910 in Milan, Italy but the company which would turn into Alfa Romeo Automobiles was founded in 1906 as Societe Anonima Italiana Darracq. This first company was founded by the French automobile firm of Alexandre Darracq along with some Italian investors. In 1909 Milan aristocrat, Ugo Stella left the firm along with the other Italian investors to form Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili.
The first on-Darracq car to be produced was the 1910 24 HP. During these early years, Alfa Romeo also ventured into motor racing however the onset of WW1 put these ventures on hold. It was during this time that the Milan factory was pulled in to help with the war effort. Munitions, air craft engines and other components were made in the factory before car production commenced again in 1919.
The Torpedo 20-30 HP was the first car to be produced under the Alfa Romeo badge and marked the first in a long line of successful models. Other key models in Alfa Romeo’s history include the GTV6 (which appeared in Octopussy), the MiTo and the 159 Ti.
Nowadays, Alfa Romeo has a great reputation thanks, in part, to the manufacturer’s numerous appearances on popular TV shows like Top Gear. The show, which is highly regarded among motoring fans, is highly championed on the show, with the show’s presenters even claiming that “no one can call themselves a true petrol head until they have owned one”.
Alfa Romeo leasing and purchasing is a popular choice in modern motoring. Best sellers include the Giulietta and purchasing is a popular choice in modern motoring. Best sellers include the Giulietta hatchback, the Brera coupe, and the Spider convertible. Whatever your driving needs; they’re sure to be met by the great performance records and smooth lines of an Alfa Romeo vehicle.
