Alfa Romeo is celebrating its 111th anniversary this weekend

It was 1910 when Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili (ALFA) produced its first car and eight years later, the company became Alfa Romeo following an acquisition by the Campanian engineer and entrepreneur Nicola Romeo.

The Italian automaker from Milan is celebrating its 111th anniversary this weekend together with its owners and fans at The Museo Alfa Romeo. Stellantis, the newly formed auto company after the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group, has earmarked Alfa Romeo is its representative in the premium segment.

The highlight of the anniversary celebration is the group delivery of the first Giulia GTA and GTAm. Alfa Romeo has planned to further engage with its most passionate customers through networking with key executives and a parade at the museum’s indoor track.

A total of only 500 units have been allocated for the Giulia GTA and GTAm. The moniker Gran Turismo Allegerita, or grand touring lightened, was first used by Alfa Romeo in 1965 on the Giulia GTA which saw plenty of success in various competitions.

Two other GTA models were built in this modern era- the Alfa Romeo 156 GTA and the 147 GTA with the most recent MiTo GTA being a concept of transforming the compact into a VW GTI-eclipsing hot-hatch.   

The latest GTA model is based on the Giulia Quadrifoglio and is fitted with a more powerful version of the 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine, now developing 540 hp. Staying true to its GTA label, extensive use of lightweight materials (carbon fibre body panels, aluminium suspension arms) have shaved off 100 kg of mass, giving it a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio of 2.82 kg/hp in the circuit-ready two-seater GTAm.

Alfa Romeo Racing F1 drivers also helped developed the Giulia GTA  

Thanks to the synergy with Sauber Engineering, significant amounts of downforce pushes the GTA to the track via a wide front splitter and a large rear spoiler. With launch control activated, the Giulia GTAm accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, car parades for owners as well as activities for the family are planned throughout this weekend. Fans and visitors are also required to wear red and exclusive catalogues of  trophies, engines and other artifacts usually kept hidden will be brought out for special viewing.

In Malaysia, the brand has been unrepresented since 2014, when Sime Darby Auto Italia gave up its distribution rights the company held since 2005.  

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GALLERY