Famous Italian cars: brands, history and photos

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Italy is a very small country. However, several major automotive concerns operate on its territory. The names of many of them are familiar to every person - even those who are not fond of cars. Many Italian cars are famous all over the world. The brands under which they are produced have a very interesting history. However, first things first.

FIAT Group

A story about Italian car brands should definitely start with a concern whose full name sounds like Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino. After all, it was founded before all the others. In 1899, to be exact. Until 2014, it was an independent company, but in 2014, all of its shares were bought out in full by the American company Chrysler, as a result of which a new corporation was formed - Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Interestingly, FIAT was the largest manufacturer of aircraft (mainly military). And back in 1966, the specialists of this concern assisted in organizing the production of the Fiat 124 model in the USSR, which we know as the VAZ-2101.

The most memorable car can be considered the Abarth 2000 Scorpione concept,established in 1969. Its highlight is a 180-degree supportless body, a glass engine cover, an open tail section, and retractable headlights. Under the hood, a 220-horsepower 4-cylinder engine is installed, due to which the car can develop a maximum of 281 km / h.

The model did not go into mass production, and the only copy belongs to the collection of Japanese billionaire Shiro Kosaki.

Alfa Romeo

Italian Alfa Romeo cars are popular. Not surprising, because this concern, founded in 1910, is engaged in the production of premium models. In addition, since its foundation, Alpha has participated in auto racing. It was possible to achieve success, so Alfa Romeos are the title of excellent sports cars.

Alfa Romeo 4C model, the mass production of which began in 2013, can be considered a bright representative of this segment. This compact sports car is built to deliver a thrilling driving experience. It weighs less than 900 kilograms (!) and is powered by a 240-horsepower 1.75-liter turbocharged engine.

And now everyone is looking forward to the start of sales of Alfa Romeo Stelvio in Russia. Why is she special? Bodywork! After all, Italian cars of the Alfa Romeo brand have never been produced in the form of crossovers! This is the concern's debut in this segment. And successful, according to the first test drives. However, conclusions about the technical part can even be drawn from the engine - a 2.9-liter 510-horsepower monster that allowed the SUV to accelerateto "hundreds" in 3.9 seconds (maximum limited to 285 km / h).

Maserati S.p. A

Now it is worth paying attention to this company that produces exclusive Italian cars. Brands, the list of which is not so long, can hardly boast of such a specific production. The company was founded in 1914, and from the very beginning it has proven itself accordingly. Only a few thousand cars are produced annually, and most of them are sold out even before the start of production.

Maserati MC12 is one of the most impressive models. This hypercar was developed for the FIA GT Championship. A total of 55 models were produced, costing 1,160,000 euros each (of which 5 are not for sale). Under the hood, each had a 6-liter 632-horsepower V12 engine, which allowed the car to accelerate to hundreds in 3.8 seconds. And the maximum was limited to 230 km/h.

The Birdcage 75th Pininfarina concept deserves special attention. Its "highlight" is the design, which you can appreciate by looking at the photo provided above. The height of the model is only 1 meter! But, however, the characteristics are also impressive. The concept is equipped with a 700-horsepower 6-liter unit, allowing you to accelerate to a maximum of 350 km / h, and to “hundreds” in 3.5 seconds.

Ferrari S.p. A

All Italian cars of the brand known as "Ferrari" are distinguished by their magnificent appearance and powerful performance. Not surprising, because the company, founded in 1928, wasthe main sponsor of the racers from the very beginning, and now she is a regular participant in various car competitions, and especially in Formula 1, where she has won the greatest success.

Many famous Italian cars of the Ferrari brand deserve attention. But the F12 Berlinetta, tuned by Mansory, is beyond competition. The price of this luxury car exceeds 1,300,000 euros. His appearance, which can be appreciated in the photo provided above, is impeccable. A 6.5-liter 1200-horsepower engine gives her the ability to exchange the first "hundred" in just 2.9 seconds! The maximum is limited to 370 km/h.

Not to mention La Ferrari. This is the company's first hybrid hypercar to be mass-produced. A total of 499 copies were produced. The last, the 500th, was sold at auction (for which it was specially released) for $ 7 million. Hypercars are equipped with a 6.3-liter engine and two electric motors. The total capacity is 936 "horses".

If we talk about famous road versions, then we can note the Ferrari 488 GTB, produced since 2015. Its price starts at $280,000. The car is equipped with a 670-horsepower 3.9-liter engine.

Automobili Lamborghini S.p. A

This concern also needs to be mentioned in continuation of the topic affecting luxury Italian cars. The stamps, the list, the photos - it's all really fascinating. But when it comes to Lamborghini, it's also worth turning to history.

Becausethis company produces not only expensive supercars, but also … tractors! And few people know about it. However, supercars still attract more interest.

Take, for example, the Aventador Mansory model. Its appearance is magnificent, and the 1250-horsepower engine, due to which the car reaches 100 km / h in 2.8 seconds, is amazing. The maximum is limited to 355 km/h.

No less impressive is the all-wheel drive sports car Lamborghini Huracán. This is the world's first mass-produced car in which an inertial navigation system was used. And it is equipped with a 5.2-liter engine that produces 610 "horses". The model exchanges the first "hundred" 3.2 seconds after the start, and its maximum is 325 km/h.

The Veneno model, released in a limited edition in 2013, also attracts attention. All copies were sold at a price of 3,000,000 euros, and pre-orders were made long before the premiere. The Veneno body is made entirely of carbon fiber, and the model is driven by a 6.5-liter 750-horsepower engine.

ItalDesign-Giugiaro S.p. A

This engineering company also needs to be mentioned when talking about Italian cars (brands). The history of this brand is interesting. After all, the company does not produce cars as such. Its specialists are engaged in the development of design and construction of bodies. Founded in 1968, the company worked closely with Volkswagen at first.

The company's specialists developed designs for dozens of famous cars. Among them are Alfa Romeo Alfasud, BMW Nazca C2, Bugatti EB118, Ferrari GG50, Fiat Grande Punto, Maserati 3200 GT. Andthat's not even 1/15 of the projects ordered from this firm!

It is not surprising that in 2010 the vast majority of its shares (90.1%) were bought out by the Lamborghini concern. However, the firm still continues to fulfill orders that are not related to the tasks given by its "parent" company.

Autobianchi

This name also includes a list that lists Italian cars (brands). The review must also tell about this company.

It was founded in 1955 and lasted exactly 40 years. By the way, such firms as Fiat, Pirelli and Bianchi participated in its creation. The concern's concept was to produce small, compact cars. And they were valued, by the way, higher, unlike Fiats of the same size.

Of course, the company is abolished (due to joining Lancia), but the legendary Autobianchi A112 mini hatchback is still remembered. This is a very compact car having 8 generations. The latter literally “scattered” around the country and abroad in the amount of ~ 1,255,000 copies. Of course, hatchbacks were not powerful. They were equipped with motors with a volume of less than 1 liter, and the power did not exceed 70 hp. With. But they were charming, compact and economical. It was appreciated.

Iveco

This concern can be safely called "young" in comparison with all of the above, since it was founded in 1975. It included several eminent companies at once - FIAT, Magirus-Deutz, Lancia, OM and the French division of Fiat.

Bwithin a few years after the formation of Iveco, many more car factories from various countries joined it. Even the English division of Ford, which was engaged in the production of a truck, became part of it. And an Italian dump truck company (Astra).

Of course, Iveco does not own the best Italian cars. The brands listed earlier are more successful in this. But on the other hand, Iveco has released a multi-purpose army "armored car" LMV! The maximum mass of the towed load can reach 4,200 kilograms, and overcoming a 0.85-meter ford will not be difficult for this car. If you perform preliminary preparation, then he will be able to pass through 1.5 m. But much more important is that it is possible to install a variety of machine gun weapons on this model.

Final list

Well, there are only two concerns left of all that exist in Italy. And one of them is private. This is De Tomaso Automobili, which was founded in 1955 and abolished in 2012. The concern was successful, engaged in the production of sports cars. A famous car was even designed for Frank Williams to compete in Formula 1. The company made progress, but in 2003, unfortunately, its founder, Alejandro de Tomaso, died. The firm began to experience a recession. Its "revival" was planned in the early 2010s, but in the end it all ended with the liquidation of the company.

And finally, the last firm is Lancia, which has been in existence for 111 years. The concern produces vehicles of almost all categories, from microvans andbusiness class and ending with trucks, trolleybuses and commercial vehicles. Even a rally model was created. The Lancia Fulvia won the last World Championship for automobile manufacturers (1972). And in the team competition, she won 10 times.