24th June sees the birthday of Alfa Romeo, makers of the car that symbolised Italian luxury throughout the 1960s, and big celebrations are planned in Milan. In fact, the party has already begun, with Alfisti from all over the world heading for the city in their vehicles. A whole weekend of celebrations is planned for 26th and 27th June and there is to be a parade of over 3,000 Alfa Romeo cars through the streets of Milan.
A.L.F.A., the Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili, was established on 24th June 1910 by Cav. Ugo Stella, a Milanese aristocrat.
The company’s first headquarters were at Portello in Milan. The first A.L.F.A. car was the 24 HP, designed by Giuseppe Merosi. The company’s distinctive badge, representing the House of Visconti and the city of Milan, was also designed in 1910.
In 1915 a Neapolitan businessman called Nicola Romeo took over the company and under his direction it produced military hardware. Car production resumed in 1919 and in 1920 the company name was changed to Alfa Romeo.
Over the years Alfa Romeo cars made motor racing history, became the preferred vehicles of Italian police forces and Prime Ministers and became the ultimate sixties status symbol. The company has had a chequered financial history and has been part of Fiat since 1986.
The symbol of the weekend’s celebrations is to be the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta and RIAR, the Registro Italiano Alfa Romeo, is to present a bronze replica of the 1952 Disco Volante model to go on permanent display in Milan.
Buon compleanno, Alfa Romeo!
Are you an Alfisto?
Have you ever driven an Alfa Romeo?
