I'm with 1950chevysuburban-- Probably no need to try and improve this one. It's great just like it is. An "improved" version, if done correctly, would no doubt also be a beautiful car, but maybe a different car. That said, I will keep an eye on this thread to see if anyone submits anything, and hold final judgment until then.
When the topic of being "behind the times" comes up regarding US cars and European cars always remember we were building cars for the public in a single nation larger than Europe and for the world public, not exotic little racecars for use on road tracks and as toys for the rich. The "everyday" people's cars from these makers weren't anything special either.
I think the Alfa was amazing for what it was at that time,too bad it got canned.It's got a beautiful stream line shape,and I bet with the proper power plant behind it,would be something formidable at Bonneville or El Mirage.
I thought that's what it looked like! You don't see center steer a whole lot. The only other car I can think of with that is the '90s McLaren F1 supercar. Anyways, beautiful car. Very interesting story behind it. I like the part about the shootout.
Looks like it should be going the other way. The rear view makes me think 990 Streamliner or something along those lines. Cool non the less.
Ah, the shady world of Eastern Europe during the troubles. This car has a very incomplete documented history. Some say it was bought by an American GI but resold not long after and returned to Italy. This car has had many different colors but it is known the original color was a dark green. The journalist mentioned by Ryan hasn't had any luck finding any more details but he continues to seek existing and former residents of Rijeka {previously Fiume}. One has to understand that during this period in Croatia exotic cars were nonexistent. Interesting piece nontheless.
The car is not my style but it is quite unique. I think the center steering would be odd. I also noticed the speedometer went counter clockwise. I agree with pasadenahotrod that this is a one off car built for the rich. It would be cool to think that they would make a car like this for the general public but that's not likely. You know we could give it a tilt body and a Hemi and make into a mid-engined funny car. What do ya think?
Cool story.......a bit ugly for my tastes.....but can appreciate the inspiration these early efforts and designs bring to the table....especially for the racers. You sure like Itailian cars......
I like the shape of the car, but think it woild be a better Bonneville car with it turned 180 degrees and the hood replaced with a plexiglass windscreen.
Here's some pics of the "AeroSpider" @ the 2008 Villa d'Este Concorso d'Eleganza: click any thumbnail for a slide-show Note: Images by Matteo TT Stucchi and Dirk de Jager
Here's the more conventional Alfa approach to an aerodynamic racing car with the same 6C 2500SS 3-carb engine from 1939-40, the "Ala Spesa", or "Fat Fender". Only 2 or three were made, and they were Green ahead of their time, winning the Tripoli-Tobruk race on a mixture of Palm Oil and alcohol. No, I didn't make this up.
That car was many years ahead of its time. Nothing really comes close except maybe the Tatra. Compare it to any of the cars made between 1939 and 1955ish. It only looks weird to us because it is 70 years old. 70 years ago that would have been space age.
I kind of dig the center steering. I'm day dreaming about screaming around an Italian village with two lovies at either side. I'm sure that wasn't the intent during the design phase but, certainly a nice benefit afterward. Ciao, baby!
That car & transporter are so sick, I may have just peed a little. Wow. Some guys have some really nice toys.
Yep, that's it. I'll have to look for my dad has an old antique truck magazine that did a write up on this hauler. It was a really good article.
Love the car pretty incredible of 30s factory design at its best. not to mention grille design currently seen on Chrysler PT cruisers.
Ryan, I cannot thank you enough for posting this. I have tried describing just such a car to a few different people and they all look at me like my head is on sideways. Are there more pictures available? -Never mind. Thanks Hemi32 and Alex
Whoa go braća Janković. So should I put them up as first Croatian rodders... or better still forefathers of car design Damn, why didnt I know about this sooner....
The Jalopy Journal
