Alfa Romeo celebrates 90th anniversary of first win
Alfa Romeo is a brand steeped in racing heritage. Proving that even its vintage models remain competitive, the brand picked up the top three podium positions at an event Alfa Romeo knows well - and wins often: the Mille Miglia race.
This year's competition was the 36th historical re-enactment of that famed open road rally through the Italian countryside. The race ran from 1927 until the late 1950s. Alfa had the most wins at this event as a manufacturer, first capturing the title in 1928 - 90 years ago.
This year's re-enactment featured 450 cars representing 36 countries from every continent. The three-day, 1,000-mile race kicked off May 16 was won by a 1933 Alfa Romeo 6C 1500 GS Testa Fissa, piloted by an independent team from Argentina.
In second place, just eight points behind the leader, was the official entry of the FCA Heritage collection. It was another 6C 1500 Super Sport dating from 1928, with coachwork by Stabilimenti Farina. This car is normally on display in the company's museum, the Museo Storico Alfa Romeo.
During the race, this car featured the number 30, which was also worn by the winning car in the race 90 years ago.
An Alfa Romeo also picked up third place with a 6C 1750 SS Zagato, manufactured in 1929.
<h3 class="leadin">Ferrari SP38
Ferrari sells impressive machines. However, if you have something even more bespoke in mind, they'll build that, too.
That's the case of the Ferrari SP38, which is the latest product from the Italian brand's One-Off program.
The custom-crafted vehicle was unveiled at Fiorana, Ferrari's private racetrack in Italy, and after the ceremonial handover to a very dedicated customer, the car immediately was revved up and put through its paces in a series of hot laps.
The vehicle was designed by the Ferrari Design Centre on the chassis and running gear of a 488 GTB and reflects the client's vision for something that could be taken to the track but also behaves well on the street.
An all-new body, drawing inspiration from the iconic F40, was created and coated in a newly conceived, three-layer metallic red paint. Specific inset headlights were designed to be as thin as possible, with the mandatory DRL (daytime running lights) units relocated to add character and functionality to a slim bumper reminiscent of the 308 GTB.
On the side, the defining air scoop of the 488 GTB is completely concealed. The dynamic styling continues over the engine cover, which loses its rear glass and, in its place, gets a flip-up assembly made out of carbon fiber. Three slats slash open across the engine cover to evacuate engine heat.
The integration of a rear spoiler is another hint to the F40's wing. Power comes from the 488's twin-turbocharged, twin intercooled V-8.
Inside the cabin, the 488 GTB was also tweaked, putting the finishing touches on this special (and unpriced) Ferrari, which was on public display for the first time at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, a historic cars competition held each April on the shores of Lake Como, Italy.
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