In 1910 a new car manufacturer was formed, launching its first vehicle, the A.L.F.A 24HP. What was A.L.F.A went on to become Alfa Romeo, one of Italy’s producers of design icons…
Who hasn’t, at some point, hankered after an Alfa Romeo? Anyone who has petrol rather than blood running through their veins will appreciate the stunning beauty that the company’s models have sported over the 105 years that it has been producing cars for track and road. And it started with this, the HP24… Designed by Giuseppe Merosi, and featuring a 4-litre, straight four, side-valved engine capable of producing 42 horsepower that would carry it up to a top speed of 62mph, this was a car that was ahead of its time. Just 200 hundred of them were produced, and the 24HP would mark Alfa Romeo’s first foray into the world of motorsport when one competed in the 1911 Targa Florio. A rare few still exist today, though you’re unlikely to see one coming up for auction any time soon. Later this year, however, Alfa Romeo will be launching a brand new road-going car model. And Italia! will be there to witness the event. Stay tuned for a full history of the company in a later issue.