Members of the Alfa Romeo Owners Association of South Africa recently undertook a trip to Italy to honour the Alfa Romeo brand’s illustrious history. This journey, which could be described as a pilgrimage for devoted enthusiasts, was centred around significant Alfa Romeo landmarks and events.
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This year is notable for Alfa Romeo as it commemorates several key anniversaries, including the 70th anniversary of the Giulietta. The original Giulietta, introduced at the 1954 Turin Motor Show, was the Giulietta Sprint, a sporty model designed by Bertone. The Giulietta name continues to be a significant part of Alfa Romeo’s lineup today. The highlight of the South African tour was the 2024 Real Alfa event held at the Museum in Arese, Italy. This event was especially poignant for AROASA members, who had previously visited the museum in 2004 for Giulietta’s 50th anniversary and again in 2010 for Alfa Romeo’s Centenary.
The tour was meticulously planned, featuring visits to prominent Italian design studios. Stops included Pininfarina, known for its design of models like the Giulietta Spider, and Italdesign, founded by Giorgetto Giugiaro, who created designs such as the Alfasud and the Alfa Romeo Brera. Another significant visit was to the Stellantis Heritage Hub. The South African contingent explored the hub’s impressive collection of classic vehicles and learned about the heritage team’s work. This facility, a treasure trove of automotive history, is a must-see for any car enthusiast.
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The Balocco Proving Grounds also featured prominently on the itinerary. Established in 1962, this testing facility is renowned in the automotive world. While photography was not allowed, the chance to experience this iconic location left a lasting impression on the attendees. A standout experience was the special tour of the Alfa Romeo Museum’s “storage lockers,” where vehicles not on regular display are kept. This exclusive access provided a rare look at Alfa Romeo’s hidden treasures, offering a deeper appreciation of the brand’s heritage.
The museum’s car park, adorned with trees planted by clubs from around the globe, was the venue for the Giulietta 70th anniversary celebrations. The event featured a presentation on the Giulietta nameplate and showcased classic Alfa Romeos in the Real Alfa competition. The title of Real Alfa, meaning “royal” or “regal,” was awarded to the most outstanding Alfa Romeo on display.
AROASA members played an active role in the celebrations, with their club banner prominently displayed on the Stelvio used for the tour. AROASA’s presence was further highlighted by a brief interview, underscoring South Africa’s historical significance as a major market for Alfa Romeo outside Italy.
