Alfa Romeo – Its History
Tuesday, December 7th, 2010Alfa Romeo is one of the oldest manufacturers in the world, having been founded in 1906. Interestingly, Alfa Romeo was started by a French car company despite being well-known as an Italian brand. Alfa Romeo has quite a history, they have won several major races especially in the post-World War II era. Some of their drivers included the legends Juan Manuel Fangio and Tazio Nuvolari, as well Ferrari founder Enzo Ferrari. Fiat and Maserati both are part of the Fiat Group along with Alfa Romeo.
Automotive connoisseurs will tell you that Alfa Romeo cars have ’soul’, that they both look and work to a high standard. Bertone and Pininfarina, both celebrated design houses have collaborated with Alfa Romeo. A prominent feature in its cars is the Alfa badge that sits dead square in the centre of the front grille, usually necessitating shifting of the front license plate off to one side. Also well-known are the Alfa Romeo owners clubs that are found in many, many countries. An Alfa Romeo owner is known in Italy as an “Alfista”.
Alfa Romeo Models
The Alfa 156, introduced in 1997, was a significant commercial success, and won the coveted European ‘Car of the Year’ award in 1998. The title was won again by the Alfa 147 in 2001. Current models include the 156’s successor the 159, which is a front-wheel drive midsize saloon launched in 2005; the 147, a hatchback that also won the ‘Car of the Year’ in 2001; the GT, a gorgeous, Bertone-designed coupe introduced in 2004; the Brera, a 2+2 coupe by Pininfarina in 2005; the Spider, a convertible version of the Brera that is also available exclusively with the 3.2 litre engine just like the Brera; and lastly the Mito, a sporty supermini launched in 2008 and aimed directly at the Mini Cooper
If you are purchasing a new car, companies such as NAC Insurance will supply Alfa Romeo insurance, even if you subsequently modify the car. If you are looking for a used Alfa Romeo, try carsforsalenz.co.nz. Remember to get a vehicle ownership check prior to purchasing.
A used Alfa Romeo can get you on the ladder to ownership, and many say that you are not a true car enthusiast unless you’ve owned at least one Alfa Romeo

