[shankar.balan]

Alfa Romeo has always been one of my favourite Car Marques. Forget what many people say about the brand, they somehow hold a timeless, visceral appeal and always will, for one such as I.


To echo the words of Jeremy Clarkson in his review, nay, his moving tribute to the glowingly gorgeous Alfa Romeo Disco Volante; while the name may mean Flying Saucer, to me, just as to him, the name will always bring memories of Emilio Largo, the Spectre Villain in the 1965 Bond Film Thunderball and his fantastic Hydrofoil Disco Volante.




All these years, I ve collected many scale models of these cars. Lusting after that badge has always been a part of my DNA. So on our “Trip to Italy” in 2018, my wife and I, rented a lovely Alfa Romeo Giulietta and roamed around as a “part-fulfillment” of the “dream”.


Finally having enjoyed the art, the sculpture, the museums, the sights, sounds, tastes of the country across the length of it and after paying homage to Ferrari as true Tifosi ought to, found ourselves on a Frescia Train from Firenze to Milano, en route more cultural and fashion insights.

Of course I’ve been lucky to travel to Italy a number of times, but whenever I hop onto a Trenitalia or Frescia Train at Firenze Centrale/ Milano Centrale and/ or Roma and wind my way through the rolling countryside, Bologna and all, I always remember the lovely 1965 film Von Ryan’s Express and the way the Allied POW’s commandeer the Train along with the Italians who had lost their taste for fighting, and wend their way past Milano onto the Lakes and up the Mountains towards Switzerland and Freedom. It never fails to infuse me with nostalgia (which by the way, in the original Greek, means “the pain from an old wound), to quote Jon Hamm as Don Draper in Mad Men in his Kodak Carousel pitch.

Anyway, I digress. Forgive me for that, but whenever I do get these fits of inspiration (and knock myself out of my lazy complacency) and start writing, I tend to ramble a bit.

A neat little Segue into the topic of Alfa Romeo and their beautiful Museum and the multiple pictures I took while there.

(Again, I won’t burden everyone with zillions of photos, but only my favourites, along with a little garnishing by way of commentary.)

It’s funny, but sitting down to type this, the memories seem to be flowing freely, aided admirably of course, by Messieurs Steve Jobs and Tim Cook and the Apple iCloud!

Rho Fiera - Arese.
It’s a large sprawling building around an 80 Euro Cab ride from Milano in the direction of Lake Como on the road to the Italian Alps. I wont bother repeating all the history which one can easily read on the internet. I ll just share my special passion by way of curating the photos.







The evolution of that beautiful Alfa Romeo Badge








The Military inspired Alfa Romeo “Jeepy” things, mighty engines and early cars.

[shankar.balan]

I have said earlier in multiple threads, my “Passione” is for “Storico” and “Automobili” a consuming passion for Automobiles, their history etc, especially that pertaining to the 20th century, more particularly the 1950’s, 1960’s and all.

So I have tried to choose from the stacks of photos I have, and put out the best one’s as adjudged by me. All of these were taken on iPhone XS Max.

[shankar.balan]

The passion for cars will never subside. I dont know why I didnt make the effort to study automobile engineering and design. But then, thankfully, the opportunities we have created, for travel and exploration, have allowed me to enjoy some of the most beautiful automobiles vicariously through these wonderful museums.

A couple of roadsters.



This Beautiful Vehicle -The Castagna looks futuristic even today in 2023!




This 1954 Sportiva does evoke some thoughts of the Porsche 924, 944 et al.
It is a gorgeous design. Cannot believe this was conceptualised so long ago!

[shankar.balan]

Alfa Romeo and its story is always one of great romance. What a Marque!
it is unbelievable the short sightedness of the powers that be to allow Alfa to languish (though it is making some sort of a revival now…)

First some icons of the earlier years! What wonderful Grand Touring machines these would have been. Roaring along the Italian Autostrade and alongside the Italian lakes!



Then the incredible Romance of the Open Top Sportscar/ Roadster of the 1950’s and 1960’s. This is my absolute all time favourite La Dolce Vita moment. It literally brings tears of joy every time I even think of this!
I have scale models of this Giulietta or a slightly later brother. And I am always taking it out of the cupboard and keeping it on my bedside table. Even now. I am past 50 years of age!

[shankar.balan]

To move further along the hallowed halls of Alfa Romeo.

Here’s to You Mrs Robinson. Jesus Loves you more than you will know!
That wonderful film The Graduate and the very young Dustin Hoffman and the evergreen Anne Bancroft and her ever gorgeous car, the Duetto. Fittingly occupying pride of place in the Museum.





And again I draw reference to one of my favourite movies of all time, at risk of repeating myself. The Day of the Jackal. Edward Fox truly has class. Wearing a Cravat and driving that lovely Alfa Giulietta along the Ventimiglia from Italy to France in pursuit of his nefarious purpose. What a car!

A direct descendant, if you will, of this gorgeous Prototype of 1955 which has been pictured here just before but will be pictured again, as my own personal holy grail tribute! I LOVE this car, amongst all of them. Always have. Always will. And of course its slightly later derivative too. I just wish they had found and put out that Alfa which was used in the Day of the Jackal film.

[shankar.balan]

It is fun to sit and replay all those memories of those years. And to put out these pictures for the enjoyment of others. I regret I was lazy about this for the last 6 years.

This selection of 27 Photos shows some of the history of the Quadrifoglio and the Engineering Prowess that marked Alfa Romeo!

Plus of course, I loved all these cars which were from the era of “Rawness”.

[shankar.balan]

As we progressed down towards the exit of the museum they still had a few lovely surprises for us, notably the wonderful evocative cars like the Type 33 Stradale, the Giulia TZ, the GTA, the 1750 and all. All those iconic cars all in one place. Amazing!
But here are the photos of those lovely cars, for us all to enjoy!

[shankar.balan]

A fitting end to our visit was the chance for me to be a child again, sitting in one of those gorgeous old 8C’s. A mockup of course, but wearing my hat and dressed like a Mafiosi of old, I could at least have some fun and make Brumm Brrmmm noises and twiddle the steering wheel!





Memories of my favourite car amongst all of Alfa, shown as illustrations!




A lovely pair of Alfa Romeo Tan Italian Leather Driving Shoes with the Quadrifoglio Embossed, bought on that day at the Museo Storico Alfa Romeo - I still wear them on special occasions when driving one of my favourite cars!



Ciao Alfa!

[Tifosi2306]

Sir, you have lived a dream. Something to work towards, someday I will. Thank you for sharing the experience.

[Jeroen]

Thanks for sharing. Brings back memories. I have visited it twice. Both times during tours with the Dutch Alfa Romeo Spider Register.

Very nice museum and a must see for all Alfisit.

Jeroen

[14000rpm]

Originally Posted by shankar.balan

A neat little Segue into the topic of Alfa Romeo and their beautiful Museum and the multiple pictures I took while there.


Rho Fiera - Arese.
It’s a large sprawling building around an 80 Euro Cab ride from Milano in the direction of Lake Como on the road to the Italian Alps.

Thanks for the great coverage. It indeed looks like a great place. Alfa's, through time, have always had that extra zing that made them appealing. The zing called Passion which is very evident in their designs.

I stayed at a hotel in Rho a few days ago when in Milan and went to Arese as well. Twist of fate and I couldn't go the museum. I've put a pin on it for next time.