Fangio And Alfa Romeo

Argentine F1 driver Juan Manuel Fangio is one of the greatest drivers in history. Fangio won his first Drivers' Championship in 1951 while driving an Alfa Romeo. The Alfetta 158/159 to be specific. The Alfetta was the child of automobile engineer Giacchino Colombo who played a role in Fangio's success. Later on, Fangio reach the pinnacle of world racing in a Ferrari and a Maserati.

Here's a neat look at Fangio in 1957 - the year of his fifth and final title this time in a Maserati 4CL.

Alfa's Racing Pedigree

I should really be more organized on how I approach exploring Italy's rich and fascinating automobile history.

Bah.

Check out this neat Alfa Romeo 8C 2300.

A Master For The Ages: Giotto Bizzarrini

Giotto Bizzarrini played a defining role in the development of Italian automobile design. Hailing from Tuscany, he was an engineer for Ferrari in the 1950s and Lamborghini. He also spearheaded projects for concept cars some of which boast his name.

In an industry and country famous for its car designers, Bizzarrini is an oft-forgotten but important figure. Working for famous companies, his input helped establish unforgettable masterpieces on the sports car landscape. His piece de resistance for Ferrari was the 250 GTO. In addition, he designed the Testa Rossa. But his time with Ferrari didn't end well, as he was part of the group who left the company in what is known as the "Ferrari Night of the Long Knives." From there he left for Scuderia Serrenissima and eventually, Alfa Romeo, Iso Rivolta where he designed the Iso Rivolta GT and Iso Grifo.

Indeed, the creative Bizzarrini remains active (designing the GT Strada 4.1 concept car) carries the 'Giotto' name with honor. Giotto, of course, being one of the early masters of Renaissance painting.