In the history of Alfa Romeo -which this year completed 110 years of uninterrupted service- are dozens of names
important people who determined the fate of the brand, but also left the
their mark on the wider automotive industry. Nicola Romeo, Vittorio Jano, Enzo Ferrari, Tazio Nuvolari, Juan Manuel Fangiο, Nino Farina, Battista "Pinin"
Farina, Giuseppe Busso and so many others who contributed
so that the Alfa Romeo and its models to
win thousands of victories, but also the recognition of the public and the
experts.
The Carlo Chiti and Lodovico Chizzola, perhaps not enjoying the reputation of the above
legends, but they are the creators of one of the most important chapters
in the history of Alfa Romeo, while they are essentially responsible for the dynamic return of the brand to the
races after her departure from the Formula 1 at the beginning of
1950s. In 1961 the Chiti, mechanical engineer
who had worked for both Alfa Romeo, as well as the Ferrari and the Chizzola, also an engineer
and car dealer, founded the Car–Delta with the aim of developing racing cars. Just two years later the
1963, η Car–Delta started the occupation
with its cars Alfa Romeo, while in 1964 it is renamed to From Autode S.p.A., becomes an integral part
piece of the brand and now has almost as its sole mission to help
την Alfa Romeo to return - as she deserves -
in the struggles after its triumphant march in the early years of the Formula 1.
In late 1964,
the move of the From Autode from the Feletto Umberto of Udine in Settimo Milanese allows the company's engineers to work alongside the
people of Alfa Romeo and in particular to use the facilities of the test centre of the Balocco which at that time had been created by Alfa Romeo. The first car that
launched its cooperation From Autode with the Alfa Romeo was the legendary Giulia TZ
of Giuseppe Busso, with the result exceeding all expectations. Η From Autode presented
four Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ at Monza at Coppa F.I.S.A. in November 1963,
taking the top four places in the prototype category. With type-approval for the category Gran Turismo The Giulia TZ Continued
to impress by winning the first place
in their category in the 24-hour race of Sebring at
U.S.A. and in 48ο Targa Floriowhile the beautiful coupe won distinctions in rally races as well.
In 1965, however, with
the presentation of the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA η
From Autode would go to a new level and put the
well the foundation of its now legendary name. Η Alfa Romeo GTA
was essentially the racing version of the Giulia GT with the "A" in the name indicating
the key feature of the model, which was the significant reduction of the
weights (A=alleggerita i.e. lightened), which was 205 kg
lower than the conventional version. The use of light alloys for the
parts of the bodywork and the absence of any sound insulation contributed particularly to
this result. H Giulia GTA with the 1.6-litre engine won the European Championship three times in a row.
Championship (from 1966 to 1968), while it was a great success in
races in the USA.
Since 1966,
the year in which the From Autode was acquired by Alfa Romeo, the company officially became the racing division of the brand, having
headed by Carlo Chiti. The success of the name GTA continued with the
1.3 litre version of the GTA 1300 Junior, but also the impressive in performance and appearance Alfa 1750 GT Am and 2000 GT Am. Having a long and
successful course in Formula 1, ο Chiti convinced the Alfa Romeo to return to the top form of motor racing
sports, mainly as an engine supplier, a mission that was not completed with particular
success, but brought several innovative ideas to the field, such as the
first modern V10 driving set. In contrast, the deep engineering
knowledge of Chiti engines, but also in the field of
aerodynamics helped to make the From Autode to bring very important distinctions and titles with
the prototypes of the series T33.
After almost 25 years of success, the
1986 η From Autode Suspended
its activities, passing the baton for the racing
brand activities in the Alfa Corse. But the aura and the legacy of From Autode remains
alive to this day. Proof, the new Giulia GTA and GTAm, the
which are a continuation of the legendary Giulia GTA of From Autode 1965, with their evolution taking place in the
Balocco and the old premises of the creation of the Chiti and Chizzola. Detail, the logo From Autode at
wings of youth Giulia GTAm that wink nostalgically at a tradition that
resists time and is none other than the ultimate driving pleasure that
offers a Alfa Romeo.
