Apparently, the special climatic conditions of the Mediterranean and the stunning landscapes of the coastal strip of the Apennine Peninsula most positively influence the awakening of extraordinary artistic abilities and the original aesthetic perception of the world among many Italians. As you know, this phenomenon extends not only to cars. We can observe an absolutely similar picture of the overwhelming advantage of Italian fashion designers over competitors in the development and creation of new models of clothing, footwear or furniture. Everything that concerns the external appearance of a wide variety of things and objects, the Italians do a little better, a little more elegant, a little more refined than representatives of other countries. Maserati, Ferrari, Bugatti, Lamborghini - these legendary names caress the ear and make the heart of every motorist beat faster. But even in such a high-profile row, the name Alfa Romeo is not only not lost, but also firmly takes its separate place of honor. Simply because it was this brand that was the first to raise the process of forming the external appearance of a car to the rank of real art and was the first to give an ordinary man in the street the opportunity to purchase an "almost sports legend" at the price of an ordinary serial car. The date of birth of the brand is considered to be 1908, when a fairly large and modern enterprise for the assembly of the French model Darracq, which, however, did not have commercial success. Therefore, in 1910, Italian investors, on the existing industrial base, organized a completely new company with the abbreviated name ALFA and launched the production of their first own model with the 24HP index - a large and durable car. And just a year later, the plant produced the first racing model 15HP Corsa. It was she who launched all subsequent famous sports cars of the brand. A serious test for a developing company was the First World War. The savior of the brand was a large businessman from Naples, Nicolas Romeo, who bought the plant and set up production of aircraft engines, power plants and other military equipment. Firstly, it allowed the brand to survive difficult years, and secondly, it added a beautiful addition to the name "Romeo". The company began re-producing cars of pre-war development in 1919. The golden age of Alfa Romeo came in the mid-20s of the last century and lasted, with some ups and downs, for almost 50 years. It was during these years that the brand gained popularity and recognition around the world. This is interesting:

1. 1. In the 30s of the last century, the Alfa Romeo racing team was led by none other than the famous Enzo Ferrari. Especially for this, in 1929 he organized a sports society called Scuderia. True, Enzo did not achieve any special victories as part of the Alfa Romeo team.
2. 2. The name Alfa Romeo is inscribed in golden letters in the history of motor racing for two outstanding achievements: victory in the first official world championship in motor racing of the Grand Prix series among automakers in 1925 and victory in the first championship of the Formula 1 format (the so-called Royal Races). ) in 1950.
3. 3. In the golden time for the Alfa Romeo brand - the fifties of the last century - on brand cars, the company's pilots set over 60 world records, and also won 26 world championships and 25 European racing championships.
4. 4. There is a legend that the famous American car manufacturer Henry Ford, at the sight of any car with the Alfa Romeo logo, respectfully took off his hat every time, expressing his admiration and respect for the Italian brand.
5. 5. The owner of one of the Alfa Romeo models - Giulietta Spider - was the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy.

Alfa Romeo emblem

The logo of the Alfa-Romeo automobile brand was designed in 1910 by the artist Romano Cattaneo. It consists of two parts - a red cross and a snake with a crown. The idea of ​​using the red cross came to Romano after he saw the flag of Milan at one of the stations - a large red cross on a white background. The snake is the emblem of the House of Viscontia, it swallows a person, which symbolizes victory over enemies.

Initially, the logo also included the abbreviation "Alfa" - Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili and "Milano" - the city where the aristocrat Cavalier Hugo Stella founded his company.

From 1925 to 1981, the logo was framed by a laurel wreath, which symbolized victory in the first World Championship.

In 1972, the word “Milano” was removed from the logo, as a new factory was opened in Naples and the cars were no longer just “Milanese”. Since this year, the snake has become more symbolic - the texture of the skin was removed, only the shape and color remained, and the little man in her mouth became blood red. Over time, the logo was simplified - the patterns in the form of knots, loops and curved lines were also removed.

Each automobile concern has its own personalized logo. One such famous symbol is the Alfa Romeo badge. What this symbol means and where it came from is not known to everyone, although its history is very interesting and goes back to the distant eleventh millennium of our era.

How did the Alfa Romeo emblem come about?

The logo of the automotive concern appeared in the nineteenth century. Then the Italian company was called simply Alpha and needed a special, inimitable sign. Reflecting on it, one of the creators drew attention to the red cross of the symbol municipality Milan combined with the family symbol of one of the most famous Italian families.

The future coat of arms had two main tasks:

1. Display the greatness of the concern;
2. Give strength and power.

The two emblems found combined exactly what was needed. As a result, both of them were placed in a blue circle, which was the first emblem of Alpha.

A short time later, the plant was acquired by an entrepreneur named Romeo. By the decision of this person, the company acquired the second part of its name, which was reflected in the updated logo.

During the entire period of its existence, the logo has been changed and refined many times with various elements, but its basis still remains unchanged.

In this video, Michael Paterson will show one of the most premium Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio models worth $80,000:

What do the icon symbols mean?

The young company was looking for a coat of arms that would combine strength and majesty.

1. Flag of Milan includes red cross on white background. It symbolizes, first of all, power and enterprise. Such elements contribute to the achievement of the special global success of the brand;
2. Coat of arms of the Visconti- this is a big a green snake that devours a man. The meaning of the coat of arms is to instill fear in the enemies and foreshadow an imminent victory over them.

In addition, the inscription “Milano” was preserved in the original Alfa Romeo badges in the lower part of the circle, as a reference to the location of the plant.

As a result, today, there is no word on the lower rim of the symbol, which was done for reasons of equal respect for all manufacturers of a well-known brand, regardless of their location.

History of automotive production

At first, the production was located far from Milan. In Naples, in 1906, the Frenchman Alexandre Darrac opened a representative office of the French metropolitan company for the production of cars that significantly surpassed other brands in terms of engine performance.

Later, on the basis of SAID, an enterprise for the assembly of passenger cars was formed, which was named ALFA. Then in 1910 production was moved to a small town near Milan.

After the company was headed by Nicola Romeo, the name changed to Alfa Romeo. The company has always been distinguished by the production of cars with high driving performance.

Since early years formation, Alfa Romeo cars took part in various car races, which was the best confirmation of their reliability and speed.

Alfa Romeo cars

During its existence, the company produced various cars:

• The first model that rightfully deserves to bear the name Alpha was 24 HP. Its real advantage is that it was capable of reaching speeds of 100 km/h, which for the beginning of the nineteenth century was a real achievement;
• Under the Alfa Romeo brand known to us in 1920, the first car was created, which was called Torpedo 20-30HP;
• Then it was created Alfa RomeoRL. He became the leading brand of the manufacturing plant and was considered a mini Rolls-Royce. They produced it for seven years and released a little more than two and a half thousand copies;
• Further, the P2 racing car was designed and produced, which was one of the first to win the world championship;
• In 1927, the development and production of diesel and aircraft engines began, and the company came to grips with trucks;
• Since 1932, many service centers and sales offices have been organized throughout Europe;
• During the Second World War, the company suffered significant damage. Many production capacity were reduced to ruins, and it took time to revive production. However, already by 1947 a new racing car was produced - a champion, which symbolized the restoration of Alfa Romeo;
• In the 50s, the company made its production serial and released a car that combines passenger comfort and sporting qualities;
• By 1960, the company was already represented on such continents as South America and Africa.

Since then, the company almost every year presents its connoisseurs with a new brand of cars, distinctive feature each of which is technical equipment and appearance.

Meaning of Milano and Visconti Symbols

The Alfa Romeo badge combines two coats of arms, which, according to legend, go back to the eleventh millennium. These symbols belonged to two famous Italian families who paid for the First Crusade:

1. It is generally accepted that the clergyman handed over to the army a banner with the image of a snake, thereby blessing his soldiers. The campaign was successful, after which the stricken Saracen was attributed to the coat of arms, which testified to an unconditional victory. This coat of arms belonged to the first family;
2. The second family made their family badge a red cross, which symbolized the crusade itself. The background displayed the color of the vests that the warriors wore over the armor, speaking of their noble origin.

However, after a while, the two clans united, as a result of which the Visconti family dynasty was formed. The coat of arms was also combined from the previous two parts. As a confirmation of good relations with the king, the supreme leader of Italy allowed to add a crown over the head of a snake to the combined symbol.

Cars of this brand have never lost the trust of customers. The auto giant was also able to cope with the complex challenges faced by the production of racing cars and with the preferences of customers in terms of comfort and passenger capacity.

Now you know what symbols the Alfa Romeo badge includes, what it means and how it has been refined over the years.

Video: the history of the founding of the Alfa Romeo brand

In this video, historian Mark Jason will tell you how the first Alfa Romeo models appeared, how the company developed:

The history of the company dates back to 1906, when the Italian entrepreneur Hugo Stella founded the Societa Italiana Automobili Darracq, intending to assemble French cars of the Darracq brand. Due to the lack of demand for small, light cars, things did not go uphill, and in 1910 Stella reorganized the plant for the production of original Italian cars. New company will receive the name A.L.F.A., which stands for Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica di Automobili.

Above the first A.L.F.A. the painter Romano Cattaneo worked. According to him, the use of the red cross in the company's logo was inspired by the flag of Milan. Another graphic element is a man-devouring snake. The snake is a symbol of Visconti - an Italian aristocratic house and symbolizes the protector of Visconti from enemies and ill-wishers. Both symbols represent enterprise, power and are designed to contribute to world success.

A.L.F.A. 1910-1915

In 1915, the company passes to Nicola Romeo and the name of the new owner is added to the name. The logo changes accordingly.

Alfa Romeo. 1915-1925

In 1925, Alfa Romeo wins its first world championship in motor racing. The magnificent Alberto Ascari was driving the Alfa Romeo P. In honor of the victory, another graphic element appears on the logo - a laurel wreath. Since antiquity, the laurel wreath has been a symbol of glory and victory.

Alfa Romeo. 1925-1946

Alfa Romeo. 1946-1972

In 1972, Alfa Romeo opens a new Alfasud factory in Naples and removes the Milano lettering from the logo. In 1981, the laurel wreath is removed and the logo takes on a modern, familiar look.