[alfa] Stupid Looking Alfas

[alfacybersite <acs@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I certainly will give you the 1952 Touring designed Disco Volante (C 52) 
was a rather unusual approach to aerodynamics. To paraphrase a remark 
once made by Phil Hill - driving one at speed is similar to trying to 
drive a Frisbee.

Interestingly enough in 1956 Pinin Farina came out with their first of 
four design studies (all on the same 6C 3000 CM chassis) which included 
the now well known concave (or as John Hertzman prefers, gouge) 
horizontal section running from behind the front wheel well to the rear 
of the car.

Might Pinin have looked at the Disco and thought, what if we made the 
sides innies rather than an outies? I won't say the Series one through 
four Pininfarina Spiders are everyone's cup of tea, but the basic 
concept sure did have a long run. It will come as no surprise I feel the 
Duetto / Round-Tail will be considered one of Alfas iconic designs - if 
it hasn't already reached that status.

So what do you think of Bertone's B.A.T. cars? Believe it was BAT 7 
whose owner would sometimes drive his son to school in the 7. The son 
insisted on being dropped off two blocks from school (and probably wore 
shades). Not sure if that was before or after the fins were cut off (now 
of course restored to originality).

Most everyone loves the 750-101 Giuliettas and Giulias - especially the 
Spiders. I personally wish the bumpers, especially the fronts, had been 
scaled down somewhat. That said, the front of the cars are terribly 
busy, and terribly shiny with brightwork, which contrasts beautifully 
with the clean body shape and virtual lack of ornamentation along the sides.

Sorry, the GTV has never inspired me. I do rather like the step-nose, 
but as nice as the design is, just doesn't have a unique flair which I 
associate with Alfas. Yup, of course I like the Alfetta GT, but have 
liked "fast-backs" since I was young and always felt  if one feels the 
need for four doors, then get rid of a few of the kids.

Sorry, the bent-back Milano just never made sense to me. It is not 
attractive, it serves no purpose, and still have to say, "Why?" Was 
Chris Bangle working for Alfa in those days? Once inside though and 
especially in a 3 liter, it is a blast to drive.

Biba
Irwindale, CA USA
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