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 . The car was very streamlined, windtunnel tested, and the body was built on a tubular space frame.
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...
Read More