Alfa Romeo

Year of foundation 1910

The Origins: From "A.L.F.A." to "Alfa Romeo" (1910-1920)
It all began on June 24, 1910, in Milan, with the founding of A.L.F.A. (Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili). The first model, the 24 HP, designed by Giuseppe Merosi, was an immediate success and immediately demonstrated the brand's sporting DNA. Despite initial successes, the company soon ran into financial difficulties, especially with the onset of World War I. In 1915, engineer Nicola Romeo acquired control, converting the factory for war production. At the end of the conflict, automobile production resumed, and in 1920 the name was officially changed to Alfa Romeo.

The Golden Age of Racing and the "Quadrifoglio" (1920s-1930s)
The 1920s and 1930s were a heroic era for Alfa Romeo, a period in which the brand established itself as a racing giant. Legendary drivers such as Enzo Ferrari, Tazio Nuvolari, and Juan Manuel Fangio led Alfa Romeo to epic victories. In 1923, Ugo Sivocci's victory in the Targa Florio marked the birth of a symbol: the "Quadrifoglio Verde" (Green Four-Leaf Clover), painted on his car for good luck. From that moment on, it became the emblem of Alfa Romeo's highest-performance and racing cars. During this period, magnificent cars were produced, such as the 6C 1750, which embodied elegance and power, and the 8C 2900, considered by many to be the supercar of the era.

The Postwar Period: From the 1900 to the Giulietta (1950s-1960s)
After World War II, Alfa Romeo transitioned from artisanal production to industrial production. The model that marked this turning point was the 1900, "the family car that wins races." But the real boom came with the Giulietta in 1954, which, with its elegant and sporty lines, became a symbol of the Italian economic boom. It was an unprecedented sales success and paved the way for a series of successful models, including the Giulia and the Giulietta Spider, the latter made famous by the film "The Graduate" starring Dustin Hoffman.

Mass Production and Tourism Successes (1970s-1980s)
The 1970s and 1980s saw production expand with models such as the Alfasud, which introduced front-wheel drive, and the glorious Alfetta. Even as management became more complex and competition became fiercer, the brand's sporting heart continued to beat strongly, especially in touring car racing, where Alfa Romeo continued to dominate with the 155 and 156.

From Crisis to Revival (1990s to Today)
After a period of difficulty, the acquisition by the Fiat Group in 1986 led to a major restructuring. The brand's relaunch took shape in the 1990s with highly successful models such as the 156, which won the "Car of the Year" award in 1998 and marked a return to bold, sporty design. In recent years, Alfa Romeo has focused on a more defined identity, tied to its glorious past, with the production of models such as the Giulia and Stelvio, which have brought the brand back into the luxury sports car segment.

The history of Alfa Romeo is a saga of passion, innovation, and sporting success that have made it one of the most beloved and respected car manufacturers in the world.