Alfa Romeo is an Italian luxury automaker that technically started in 1910; however it was initially called Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili or A.L.F.A. for short. The first model produced for sale was a 24-horsepower vehicle in 1910. Over the next few years, they produced more powerful engines in the 40 to 60-hp. range. Plus, they ventured into auto racing while earning a solid reputation for quality and design that you can see in the Alfa Romeo car brochures and literature below.
In 1915 Alfa Romeo came under the leadership of Nicola Romeo. Production was focused on military equipment for the war effort and railway equipment for the next several years. Automobile production returned to ALFA in 1919, consisting of parts and automobiles that remained since 1915. In 1920 the name of ALFA was changed to Alfa Romeo, and the vehicle of this new dawning for Alfa Romeo was the 1920 Torpedo. Alfa Romeo gained widespread fame and recognition for their vehicles. Their racing and engineering when Giuseppe Campari took first place at the Mugello race and Enzo Ferrari took second place at the Targa Florio race.
Alfa Romeo Top of the Line
Through the 1920s and early 1930s, Alfa Romeo continued to produce top-of-the-line vehicles ahead of their time where design and engineering were concerned. In 1928 Nicola Romeo left the company, and in 1933 the Italian government rescued the company. Mussolini embraced the company under his government control, and they continued to build the finest luxury cars. Designed for the wealthy and powerful while making an even bigger name in the world of auto racing. You will better understand this after looking at the Alfa Romeo car brochures and literature below.
Wartime Changes Demand
During the Second World War, the Alfa Romeo factory began producing engines for the military. When the war was over, Alfa returned to producing automobiles. However, the market had changed, and there was a demand for smaller, less expensive vehicles. Although where racing was concerned, Alfa Romeo was a significant player and continues to do so to this day. Alfa Romeo started building smaller, less expensive cars and the most popular long-running vehicles were the Giulietta, Giulia, and the Spider Duetto. The Spider stayed in production into the 1990s with very few changes per the sales literature.
When we look to the 1970s, and 80s, Alfa Romeo continued to produce vehicles for the wealthy. Their business in the United States was hurting for poor quality and less than favorable reliability reports. In 1986 Fiat took over Alfa Romeo, yet there was little change where the U.S. market was concerned. They continued to build vehicles mainly for Europe, which consisted of some popular cars where the Alfa Romeo enthusiasts were concerned. They were famous for their Spider, GTV, and the top-of-line 164-luxury sedan. Finally, in 1995 Alfa Romeo ceased producing vehicles for the American market. Sorry, we don’t have a more extensive collection of Alfa Romeo car brochures and sales catalogs, but this is an ongoing project.
Back to the US for Alfa Romeo
There have been many changes at Alfa Romeo over the years. In 2008 they tried to get back in the US market with the Maserati V8 model 8C sports car, but sales were dismal at best. They were so poor that they pulled out once again and reentered the US market in 2014 with the Alfa Romeo 4C. The 4C is a mid-engine sports car that produces 240 hp. with a turbo-powered four-cylinder engine.
However, the 2014 Alfa Romeo 4C was not for budget-minded car consumers. At a price tag in the $70,000 range. That was for the least expensive model, and you can be sure that sales won’t be putting put them on the map. The Alfa Romeo never was built for the average Joe. Rather the car buyer with a much higher income than most of the population. Auto racing put Alfa Romeo on the map in the United States, but then again they are just following the interesting history. Check out some of these Alfa Romeo car brochures and photographs and sales catalogs for a closer look. You read much more about Alfa Romeo here.
