The History of Alfa Romeo

What do many people associate 'Alfa-Romeo' with? Naturally with cars and sports cars!

But... In earlier years, this name was also worn by trucks!

The company has been producing different trucks for almost 60 years. The economic crisis of 1929 made the company to think seriously about expansion of its activities. In autumn, Alfa-Romeo signed agreements with the German companies Bussing for licensed production of heavy trucks and Deutz for the production of diesel engines for them. In 1930, a truck department was formed at the plant in Portello near Milan, where, from the next year, began production of the first 6-ton 'Alfa-Romeo 50' truck, or as it was also called - 'Biscione', similar to the Bussing-N.A.G. 50 with a 6-cylinder diesel engine Deutz rated at 85 hp. It was soon followed by a three-axle 9.5-ton model '80' (6x4) with 11.5 liters 110 hp diesel engine. Since 1934 this engine was used on upgraded version '85' with a streamlined cab, and since 1938 the 10-ton model '110' (6x4) was equipped with a more powerful version (125 hp). Such heavy and expensive trucks were not in great demand in Italy, and since 1935 'Alfa-Romeo' added a 4-ton model '350' with a new 6-liter diesel engine with an output of 85 hp to the range.

In 1940, the era of conventional trucks for the company 'Alfa-Romeo' was completed: the production of completely new cabover trucks was began: models '430' and '800' with a payload from 5 to 8 tonnes with 4- and 6-cylinder diesel engines (80 and 115 hp), 4-speed gearboxes, 2-speed additional gearbox, front independent suspension and hydraulic brakes with vacuum booster. These trucks were the first postwar products of the plant.

They first had a cab with rounded corners, which successfully combined fashionable soft lines for passenger cars with functional forms and a large interior volume. Specially for the army the last 3-ton model '500' was produced with a 75 hp diesel engine.

In 1947 the company introduced two new series - the 450 with a payload of 5 tons and 9-ton model '900' with a 130 hp engine. They finally implemented the common to all Alfa-Romeo vehicles style solutions, which made these trucks no less fashionable and prestigious than high-speed and racing cars. Cabins for them were created by specialized body companies. Later they were updated and received the '455' and '950' models, which were produced until 1958-59.

As you know, cooperation between FIAT and French Citroen and Peugeot companies was completed in 1981 with the creation of a lightweight front-wheel drive van, which was produced under the name FIAT Ducato, Citroen C25 and Peugeot J5. The Alfa-Romeo company also took part in this work. Alfa-Romeo participated in this work. Unlike them, the Alfa Romeo AR6 has a GVW of 3 tons and offered only with a diesel engine 8144. (2499 cc, 95 hp) turbocharged and 5-speed transmission. In addition, all its light truck chassis Alfa-Romeo offered own fire-fighting and municipal equipment. In the mid 80's the total production reached 3 thousand pieces per year. After the inclusion of Alfa-Romeo in November 1986 into the group FIAT, parallel production of identical vehicles lost its meaning, and since 1989 the production of trucks of this brand was discontinued. Do not forget to use Alfa Romeo VIN decoder in order to avoid potential problems when buying a used car.