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The Online Magazine for Italian and French Classic Car Enthusiasts

Alfa Romeo

Giuseppe Merosi and the Alfa Romeo RL Series Part I

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RLSS radiator featured two badges. Photo by Harry Hurst

By Nicholas Lancaster
With thanks to the AROC of Great Britain

Most enthusiasts will be familiar with the famous Alfa Romeo designs of Vittorio Jano including the P2 Grand Prix car, the eight cylinder 8c 2300 sports cars, and the glorious Tipo B Grand Prix single-seater — but perhaps fewer know that the legendary Alfa Romeo competition story began several years before Jano joined the Milan based company. The man responsible is now largely forgotten, but his place in the Alfa Romeo story, and his greatest creation deserve to be remembered.
[Read more…] about Giuseppe Merosi and the Alfa Romeo RL Series Part I

The History of the March-Alfa Romeo Indy Cars

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May 19th, 1990. the March-Alfa Romeo 90CA-003 during qualifying driven by Roberto Guerrero. Photo courtesy IMS Photo.

By Roberto Motta

The History of the Indy 500 March-Alfa Romeos

By Roberto Motta

Twenty years ago this month, Alfa Romeo made its last appearance at the Indianapolis 500 with a promising effort put forth by the Patrick Team of Chip Ganassi. In this exclusive report, Roberto Motta tracks the history of the March-Alfa Romeos and describes the recent restoration of the car driven by Roberto Guerrero at Indy.

The Indy 500 race has always captured the attention of millions fans and the interest of the European car manufacturers including Alfa Romeo. Rex Mays entered the 1937 event with the Type 8C (see Alfa’s Pre War Titans) and a Type 308 ended a successful and long run with an 8th place in 1948. But there would be no more Alfas at the Brickyard for another forty two years. [Read more…] about The History of the March-Alfa Romeo Indy Cars

Reflections on the Alfa 8C 2300 Castagna

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The Alfa 2300 Castagna, created in a period when the “pursuit of balance and elegance both in substance and shape expressed itself in sheer majesty.” Photo by Harry Hurst.

By Pete Vack

The four of us paused to stare at the lines of the 8C 2300 Alfa Romeo Mille Miglia Castagna Spyder, now on display at the Simeone Foundation. Had one the time, it’s something that could be done all day long with pleasure. Everyone agreed it was perfectly proportioned; the short wheelbase accentuated the long hood line and swooping fenders, and huge black wire wheels stood out against the red finish. “The Alfa makes it easy to appreciate pre-war cars”, said Harry Hurst, the Simeone PR director and author of Sebring 1970. “There is not a bad line anywhere.” [Read more…] about Reflections on the Alfa 8C 2300 Castagna

Elite from Essen

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In 1965 the Italian magazine Quattroruote had the idea for the Gran Sport 1750 replicar that was inspired by the 6C 1750 and based on the Giulia Spider platform.

Story and photos by Hugues Vanhoolandt

Techno-Classica Essen 2010

During the five days (April 7-11) of Techno-Classica in Essen (Germany), there are more classic, vintage and racing cars offered for sale under one roof than anywhere else in the world.
[Read more…] about Elite from Essen

Alfas Take Phillip Island by Storm

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Alfa Romeo 159 was the star of the Phillip Island Classic. Photo and story by Vince Johnson.

Melbourne Australia, 19 – 21 March 2010.

To celebrate the 21st anniversary of the Phillip Island Classic, the Victorian Historic Racing Register fittingly chose Alfa Romeo as the featured marque for the event. Held annually at the sweeping 4.4 km circuit south of Melbourne, the international stature of this meeting is well established. Its reputation is such that the Alfa Romeo factory, in its centenary year, sent one of its irreplaceable Alfettas, chassis #159.111, engine #159.221. [Read more…] about Alfas Take Phillip Island by Storm

Cavallino Classic Historics

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Todd Morici, BB/LM 512. Juha Lievonen/photosbyjuha.com

Photos by Juha Lievonen/photosbyjuha.com

Todd Morici and Peter Giddings were the first two drivers to be named “Grand Masters” in the Ferrari Historic Challenge, reflecting their multiple wins and championships. At the 2010 Cavallino Classic the pair proved they’ve lost none of their skills, as each was an overall winner in the event’s Historic Races. [Read more…] about Cavallino Classic Historics

Jon Shirley on Kids and the Nuvolari P3

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Interview with Jon Shirley, owner of the Nuvolari P3.


Jon and Mary Shirley at Pebble Beach 2008.
Photo by Hugues Vanhoolandt.

Jon Shirley developed an interest in cars when he was nine, driving an old truck on a farm. Later when in college, he attended races at Watkins Glen, Thompson and Lime Rock. Naturally he developed an interest in sports cars and racing–one that would last until the present time. [Read more…] about Jon Shirley on Kids and the Nuvolari P3

Lancias Rule at Bristol

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Story and Photos by Paul G. Hanmore

Bristol hosts an Italian spectacle.

The 7th Bristol Italian Auto Moto Festival, held on April 25th, 2009, featured Lancia and we were enthusiastically supported by scores of Lancia enthusiasts who celebrated 30 years of the Integrale with many superb incarnations of the model on display. There were many delightful Fulvias, Appias, Montecarlos, and numerous other confections of the Marque.
[Read more…] about Lancias Rule at Bristol

Bountiful Berlinettas: Mille Miglia 2009 PI

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Did Ferrari coin the term “berlinetta”? If not, he certainly created many cars that defined the word. Here is perhaps the greatest berlinetta of all, 0026M, a 195 MM Ferrari driven to victory in the 1950 Mille Miglia.

All photos by Alessandro Gerelli
Story by staff.

This year, our photographer thought it might be interesting to concentrate his efforts on the Italian berlinettas which are so prevalent at this event. We thought so too, and decided write an etymology of the term “berlinetta” as applied to Italian two position coupes.

Part I will cover Alfa through Ferrari, Part II, Fiat through Siata.

In 1987, in an introduction to the book “Berlinettas: Classic coupes of yesterday and today”, Sergio Pininfarina wrote: “When Enzo Ferrari invented the word ‘Berlinetta’ to designate his Coupes, he meant to emphasize a particular set of qualities.” [sic]
[Read more…] about Bountiful Berlinettas: Mille Miglia 2009 PI

Simon Moore: Motoring’s Sherlock Holmes

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simon moore
Simon Moore participating in the 1987 Mille Miglia with his 8C2900A Alfa Romeo.

Although consisting of only two books, the body of work achieved by Simon Moore is both enormous and highly significant. Moore is the author of “The Immortal 2.9” and the three volume set, “The Legendary 2.3.” Both books will stand for years as the last word on the subject. Last month, Parkside Publications released the second edition of the “Immortal 2.9” book. (read review).
[Read more…] about Simon Moore: Motoring’s Sherlock Holmes

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