Introduced in 1958, the 102 Series 2000 succeeded the celebrated 1900 in Alfa Romeo’s model line. The 2000 was available in three body styles, including the short-wheelbase Spider, and it was powered by the manufacturer’s highly developed 2-liter inline 4-cylinder engine. The Spider coachwork, built by Touring of Milan, was […]

Giotto Bizzarrini was a former Ferrari executive and freelance designer. In addition, Bizzarrini worked with Lamborghini, designing its legendary V12 engine, and for Iso, where he developed motorbikes and automobiles. Bizzarrini saw potential in the Grifo and obtained permission from Iso chairman Renzo Rivolta to manufacture a high-performance version under […]

At the beginning of the 1960s, Alfa Romeo was enjoying a return to success in motorsport. Having retired from competition in the preceding decade to focus on industrial production, the famous marque from Milan reignited its competitive streak with victories for the Giulia Sprint GTA and 1750 GTAm in the […]

Combining Citröen’s advanced chassis technology and Maserati’s unrivaled engine know-how, the SM (Série Maserati) featured DS-style hydro-pneumatic self-leveling suspension; power-assisted all-around disc brakes; self-centering steering; and steered headlamps. Maserati was responsible for the 90-degree V6 engine, and after some juggling of bore/stroke dimensions, a capacity of 2,670 cc was settled […]

It would be fair to say that the Fiat 8V caused a stir when it was introduced at the 1952 Geneva Motor Show. The reaction it provoked was wholly positive, but it came as a surprise when Fiat — at the time renowned for mzaking cars in high volume, such […]

When the Bugatti Type 57 first hit the pavement back in 1934, there was simply nothing that could compare to it. Designed by founder Ettore Bugatti’s son, Jean, the Type 57 captured the swanky allure of Art Deco styling with vast curving lines that concluded in sharp, striking angles. Like […]

Factory archives note this to be a T26 with the potent Grand Sport 4.5-liter power unit, and specifically the more-desirable aluminum-head version, of which a mere three dozen were equipped. Talbot-Lago’s designation for these was T26 Record Sport. Figoni’s production record states that they received the Record Sport chassis from […]

Bridging the gap between the pre- and post-war eras, Alfa Romeo’s 6C 2500 debuted in 1939 as the third series of Vittorio Jano’s legendary 6-cylinder Alfa Romeos. Capable of 160 km/h, these cars benefited from four-wheel independent suspension and could be had in a handful of levels of tuning. This […]

Based on the chassis of the humble Fiat 600, the Abarth 750 GT Zagato is one of the most interesting and highly regarded examples of Italian etceterini. A joy to drive and to own, it allows access to multiple racing events all over the world. This 1959 example is eminently […]

Georges Irat launched the first car bearing his own name in 1921. Manufactured by Automobiles Georges Irat SA at Chatou, Seine-et-Oise, France, this was a fast tourer powered by a 2.0-liter, overhead-valve, 4-cylinder engine designed by Maurice Gaultier, formerly with Delage. Unusually, Irat manufactured the entire car — bodies excepted […]