>>Alfa Romeo Disco Volante

Alfa Romeo Disco Volante

Alfa Romeo Disco Volante

Alfa Romeo Disco Volante Spider
Manufacturer	Alfa Romeo
Also called	Alfa Romeo 1900 C 52
Production	1952-1953
Class	Concept car
Body style	Spider Coupe
Layout	FR layout
Engine	1997 cc straight-4 3495 cc straight-6
Transmission	4-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,220 mm (87.4 in)
Curb weight	735 kg (1,620 lb) with 1997 cc engine

The Alfa Romeo Disco Volante (Flying Saucer) known also as 1900 C52, is a concept car series with production starting from 1952. The cars were racing car concepts with mechanics from the Alfa Romeo 1900 and made in collaboration with Milan based coachbuilder Touring. The engine was a slightly tuned 1900 engine (1997 cc) now producing 158 bhp (118 kW). The car was very streamlined, windtunnel tested, and the body was built on a tubular space frame. This aerodynamic shape made a top speed of 220 kilometres per hour (140 mph) possible.

Three different body styles were made: one open seater and two different coupé styles. There was even a 3.5 L version made for Juan Manuel Fangio. None of these automobiles ever attained to the status of truly successful racing cars although they were tried a few times, with one victory having been taken at the Gran Premio Supercortemaggiore. According to some the design of the Jaguar E-type has some design cues similar to the Disco Volante.

The unique 3.5-liter car is preserved in Biscaretti museum in Turin; two 2.0-liter prototypes are preserved in the Alfa Romeo museum in Arese and are regularly used in classic car races. Estimated cost of each is between 1 and 2 million Euro.

A bronze sculpture inspired by the Disco Volante was revealed in the Fiera Milano for the 100 Years of Alfa Romeo in Summer 2010.

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  Alfa Romeo Disco Volante Spider
 
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  Disco Volante Coupe