Alfa Romeo

A consortium of Italian investors formed Anonima Lombardo Fabbrica Automobili (ALFA) in 1910, though there’s rarely been anything anonymous about a brand that assumed its full name 10 years later after businessman Nicola Romeo came on board with a controlling stake. Alfa Romeo has endured a patchy financial existence – rescued from a recession by the Italian government in 1933 and bought out by the Fiat Group in 1986 after running into troubles – yet how many car makers can boast a following so loyal and passionate that it has its own name: the ‘Alfisti’. Alfa has a rich motorsport history dating back to the 1930s, though the greater affinity for the brand stems from the consistently alluring design and character of its cars, and a long list of legendary models including the likes of the Spider, Alfasud, Alfetta and GTV. Now heading into a new era of revitalised product as Fiat aims to belated capitalise on Alfa’s premium-marque potential.