Alfanatics

I know we unashamedly punt our own cars from time to time, but how many people do you know that can actually attest to driving the most beautiful car in the world? Know an Alfa Romeo GT driver? Well you can say you know one at least then.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the world of automobile awards, there exists an annual competition called ‘The World’s Most Beautiful Automobile’(L’Automobile più Bella del Mondo) awards. This award was first introduced 1988 at the Automobile Festival, and quickly captured the imagination of journalists and car fanatics the world over. Every year a panel of judges is convened from all corners of the world, including car designers, engineers and other regarded experts in the field of design. In the 26th rendition of this competition the jury included such famous names and leaders in their fields as Bruno Alfieri, Ermanno Arslan, Gianni Berengo Gardin, Rossana Bossaglia, Patrick Caulfield, Giulio Cappellini, Fulvio Cinti, Gillo Dorfles, Piero Dorazio, Heinz Mack, Vico Magistretti, Kenneth Noland, Mario Piazza, Antoine Prunet, Carlo Rivetti, Bruno Sacco and Massimo Vignelli. Read the rest of this entry »

Sometimes when we spot a beauty…it stops us in our tracks…this was one of those moments!! – with thanks to the owner, whomever you are!!

As Alfa owners, we pride ourselves in keeping our cars looking good and running smoothly…but inevitably the dreaded “service” rears it’s ugly head and we don’t know which way to turn (I get cold chills just thinking about it!!).

I don’t think that anyone needs to explain the head-(and heart)-ache experienced, time and time again, by many an Alfanatic due to someone, without the right pedigree, taking “care” of what is undoubtedly a work of art – their Alfa!!

But have faith, The Alfanatics are here to make sure that your Alfa is loved and placed in the care of a real life Alfa Superhero!!!

It is said that there exist a handful of men to whom Alfa Romeo means more than just a car, it’s part of their makeup, their identity, an extension of their being, the heart in their beating chests and their reason for waking in the morning! – Ladies and Gentlemen, this is no rumour, these superheroes exist and we, at Alfanatics, are here to make sure they are unearthed to benefit YOU!

We test the waters, for the greater good of all Alfanatics, and can honestly say that the places we put on our website is where Alfa’s are truly loved!

The photos below are an indication of what one would expect to be mounted on the wall of an Alfa loving superhero!!

So, with this, we will be upgrading Alfanatics over time to include section’s where you will be able to find the best places to have your cars serviced, repaired and upgraded…so come back regularly to see if we’ve included your city in our latest update!

Best wishes…The Alfanatics!

There’s a question I’ve been asking myself, having recently bought a new Mito QV…”What is the major difference between my new car, and others that I see in the parking lot around mine?”

Well the answer is really simple, and that is what this entire article is about.

What you are about to read, happened to me within the first week of driving my new Alfa.

So, you know you own an Alfa when…

1: You turn heads at traffic lights, of Absolutely Everybody, including on-coming traffic (might not be the best thing).

2. Your boss stalks you while leaving the office, but not to complain that you are leaving work to early, but to see if he can have a ride in your new Alfa.

3. Absolutely everybody feels that they must share their own personal Alfa story with you. This, I might add, is something you won’t find with other makes. Alfa inspires, where as the others in a way, only “fill a gap”.

4. You hear the comment, “what car is that?” followed by, “wow it’s beautiful”. (Never heard a comment like that about a Mini or BMW).

5. You find people hovering around your car in the parking lot “checking your car out”.

6. You leave work and see your Car in the distance, and feel proud walking toward it.

Honestly though, there are many more scenario’s that have happened, but I leave these for you to enjoy. Buy your Alfa, post your article, and let Alfa Romeo make you feel as proud as I am to be an Alfanatic.

“When I see an Alfa Romeo go by, I tip my hat. ”

—Henry Ford talking with Ugo Gobbato in 1939[10]

This page is for YOU, the Alfa fan! – Send us your pic’s and we’ll upload the best on a weekly basis…make your Alfa famous!

Selection of various Alfa Romeo Wallpapers

It’s been said time and time again…hopefully they’ll learn!

With the 2010 Geneva Motor Show having recently taken place, the Alfa Romeo Pandion Concept, by Stile Bertone, was there to commemorate their 100 year anniversary – and what a way to do it, it is nothing short of breathtaking! The Pandion, another artistic masterpiece by designer Stile Bertone, was the main responsibility of Mike Robinson, the new design and brand director at Bertone.

According to Robinson’s interpretation, “the Alfa Romeo Pandion Concept’s design is, like every Alfa Romeo, a perfect synthesis between ‘Skin and Frame’, an ideal balance resulting from a tension between opposites: technology and sensuality, rationality and instinct, architecture and sculpture, structuralism and organicism, industrial excellence and excellent craftsmanship.”

The design is based on the “Skin & Frame” design language: “Skin” referring to the snake in the logo, representing the world renowned Italian excellence in beautiful, seductive forms; and “Frame” referring to the cross in the logo, representing the mechanical excellence in high performance Italian race cars.

Not only is The Pandion a piece of eye-candy, but it has the grunt and power to match. The Pandion is based on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione sports car. It has an all aluminium 4.7 litre (4691 cc) (286.8 cu in) dohc 90 degree V8 engine, producing 450 PS (331 kW; 444 hp). The car kerb weight is 1,258 kg (2,773 lb) and it has top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph) and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.9 seconds.

The most eye catching feature of the car is its doors, they open by rotating backwards, opening full 90 degree upward, the whole side of the car is one door from the front fender to the rear fender. Earlier Bertone had made other similar door designs, like in the 1968 Alfa Romeo Carabo, the 1970 Lancia Stratos 0 and the 1972 Lamborghini Countach. Other notable design feature can be found on the rear of the car, which has a striking array of crystal-like blades. – Source (Wikipedia).

As Alfanatics, we are deeply moved (and proud ) by this amazing work of art and look forward to what Bertone have up their sleeves in the future! With the additions of both the 8 & 4 C to the Alfa portfolio, the future of the Alfa design philosophy looks assured…

Follow this link to view the Pandion in action…and click here for some amazing photo’s of this beauty.