2010 celebrates the centenary of Alfa Romeo, and during the year
many events have been organised around the world to celebrate
this auspicious occasion. One of these gatherings was held
between 19 - 27 June, at the Parco Espozioni Novegro, close to
Milan’s Linate Airport, where an exhibition titled
“100x100centoalfapercent’anni” (one hundred Alfas for one
hundred years). The event was organised by the Alfa Blue Team,
C.M.A.E. and the ASI, and brought together a truly eclectic
selection of the marque for aficionados and visitors to enjoy.
Naturally there were many well known models, both pre and post
war, like the RL series from the twenties, 6C variants produced
between the end of the twenties and late forties, a 159 Alfetta,
Guilias and Guiliettas in various guises, through to the recent
limited production 8C Competizione in both coupé and spider
forms. Along the way there were some rarities like the Renault 4
and Ondine, produced under licence from Renault in the sixties, a
1978 Brazilian built Rio 2300 model, and the 1983 Arna, with a 4
cylinder boxer engine, which was a short-lived joint venture with
Nissan. Other rarities were an example of the very rare Alfa Sud
Giardinetta, a 75 Turbo “Evoluzione”, and a 1980 Alfetta GTV
Turbodelta, claimed to be the first Italian series production car to
be fitted with a turbocharger. There was also a pair of trucks, a
trio of aero engines and some Alfa powered speedboats,
emphasising the diversity of Alfa Romeo production over the
years, and the way it changed, or had to change, with economic
conditions.
The main hall featured displays of models loosely by
generation,One hall featured various coachbuilders who had
created both production and concept cars on Alfa Romeo
mechanicals, including Bertone, Boano, Castagna, Pinin Farina,
Touring and Zagato, the latter quite possibly having the most
beautiful car at the show, a duotone green 1900 SS from 1955.
Another hall was devoted to Alfa Romeo public service vehicles,
with a fire tender, an ambulance, jeeps and a selection of police
cars. The show attracted a wide selection of foreign visitors, with
a strong contingent of Dutch Alfa Romeos turning up during our
visit, and English, French and German languages could be heard
amongst the visitors. The close proximity to the airport being a
bonus for international fans of the marque, and they certainly
wouldn’t have been disappointed with what the show had to offer.
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