Famous Italian cars: stamps, history and photos

Italy is a very small country. However, several major automotive concerns operate on its territory. The names of many of them are heard by every person - even from someone who does not like cars. Many Italian cars are famous throughout the world. The brands under which they are issued have a very interesting history. However, everything in order.

FIAT Group

The story about the Italian car brands definitely needs to start with the concern, whose full name sounds like Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino. After all, it was founded before all others. In 1899, to be more precise. Until 2014, he was an independent company, but in 2014 all his shares were fully purchased by the American company Chrysler, resulting in the formation of a new corporation - Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

It is interesting that FIAT was the largest manufacturer of aircraft (mostly military). And in 1966 the specialists of this concern helped organize the production of the Fiat 124 model in the USSR, which we know as the VAZ-2101.

The most memorable car is the concept Abarth 2000 Scorpione, created in 1969. Its "highlight" is a solid body mounted at a 180-degree angle, a glass engine cover, an open tail section, and retractable headlights. Under the hood is a 220-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, due to which the car can develop a maximum of 281 km / h.

In the serial production model did not come out, and the only copy belongs to the collection of Japanese billionaire Shiro Kosaki.

Alfa Romeo

Italian cars of the brand Alfa Romeo are popular. Not surprisingly, because this concern, formed in 1910, is engaged in the production of premium-class models. In addition, since its inception, "Alpha" participated in motor racing. Achieve success was, so that Alfa Romeo are the title of excellent sports cars.

A bright representative of this segment can be considered a model of "Alpha Romeo 4C", the mass production of which began in 2013. This compact sports car is created to give a bright sensation of driving. It weighs less than 900 kilograms (!) And is driven by a 240-horsepower 1.75-liter turbocharged engine.

And now everyone is looking forward to the start of sales in Russia Alfa Romeo Stelvio. What is special about it? The body! After all, Italian cars of the brand "Alfa Romeo" never were released in the form of crossovers! This is the company's debut in this segment. And good, if you believe the first test drive. However, conclusions about the technical part can be made even on the engine - 2.9-liter 510-strong monster, which allowed the SUV to accelerate to "hundreds" in 3.9 seconds (maximum is limited to 285 km / h).

Maserati SpA

Now it is worth noting the attention of this company, producing exclusive Italian cars. Stamps, the list of which is not so great, can hardly boast of such a specific production. The company was founded in 1914, and from the very beginning it proved itself appropriate. Every year only a few thousand cars are produced, and most of them are sold out before the start of production.

The most impressive models can be safely attributed Maserati MC12. This hypercar was developed for the FIA GT Championship. A total of 55 models were produced, costing 1,160,000 euros each (of which 5 are not for sale). Under the hood of each was a 6-liter 632-horsepower V12 engine, allowing the car to accelerate to hundreds in 3.8 seconds. And the maximum was limited to 230 km / h.

Particular attention deserves the concept of Birdcage 75th Pininfarina. His "zest" - a design that can be assessed by looking at the photo provided above. The height of the model is only 1 meter! But, however, the characteristics are also impressive. The concept is equipped with a 700-horsepower 6-liter unit, which allows to accelerate to a maximum of 350 km / h, and to "hundreds" - in 3.5 seconds.

Ferrari SpA

All Italian cars of the brand, known as "Ferrari", have a great appearance and powerful characteristics. Not surprisingly, the company, founded in 1928, was the main sponsor of the riders from the very beginning, and now it is a constant participant in various auto competitions, and in particular in the "Formula 1", where she won the greatest success.

Many famous Italian Ferrari cars deserve attention. But the F12 Berlinetta, tuned atelier Mansory, is beyond any competition. The price of this luxury car exceeds 1,300,000 euros. His appearance, which can be assessed on the photo provided above, is flawless. And the 6.5-liter 1200-horsepower engine gives her the opportunity to exchange the first "hundred" in just 2.9 seconds! The maximum is limited to 370 km / h.

It is impossible not to mention the model La Ferrari. It is the first hybrid hypercar of the company, released into batch production. A total of 499 copies were produced. The last, the 500th, was sold at auction (for which it was specially released) for $ 7 million. Hyperkars are equipped with a 6.3-liter engine and two electric motors. The total capacity is 936 "horses".

If to speak about eminent road versions, it is possible to note Ferrari 488 GTB, issued since 2015. Its price starts from 280 000 dollars. The machine is equipped with a 670-horsepower 3.9-liter engine.

Automobili Lamborghini SpA

This concern also needs to be mentioned in the continuation of the topic affecting luxury Italian cars. Stamps, a list, a photo are all really fascinating. But when it comes to "Lamborghini", it's worthwhile to turn to history.

After all, this company produces not only expensive supercars, but also ... tractors! And few people know about this. However, supercars still cause more interest.

Take, for example, the model Aventador Mansory. Its appearance is magnificent, and the 1250-strong engine, due to which 100 km / h of cars reaches in 2.8 seconds, is amazing. The maximum is thus limited to a mark of 355 km / h.

Equally impressive is the all-wheel drive sports car Lamborghini Huracán. This is the world's first production car, in which the inertial navigation system was applied. And it is equipped with a 5.2-liter engine, producing 610 "horses". The first "hundred" model is exchanged after 3.2 seconds after the start, and its maximum is 325 km / h.

Still attracting attention is the Veneno model, released in a limited series in 2013. All copies were sold at a price of 3 000 000 euros, and pre-orders were made long before the premiere. The Veneno body is made entirely of carbon fiber, and the movement is driven by a 6.5-liter 750-horsepower engine.

ItalDesign-Giugiaro SpA

This engineering company should also be mentioned when talking about Italian cars (brands). The history of this brand is interesting. After all, the firm does not produce machines as such. Its specialists are engaged in the development of design and construction of bodies. Founded it in 1968, and at first the company worked closely with Volkswagen.

Specialists of the company developed designs of dozens of eminent cars. Among them are Alfa Romeo Alfasud, BMW Nazca C2, Bugatti EB118, Ferrari GG50, Fiat Grande Punto, Maserati 3200 GT. And this is not even 1/15 of the projects ordered by this company!

Not surprisingly, in 2010, the overwhelming majority of its shares (90.1%) was purchased by the Lamborghini concern. However, the firm still continues to fulfill orders that are not related to the tasks given by its "parent" company.

Autobianchi

This name also includes a list in which Italian cars (brands) are listed. The review must also tell about this company.

It was founded in 1955, and lasted exactly 40 years. In its creation, by the way, such firms as "Fiat", "Pirelli" and "Bianchi" participated. The concept of the concern was the production of small, small cars. And they were valued, by the way, higher, in contrast to the "Fiats" of the same size.

Of course, the company is abolished (in connection with the accession to Lancia), but the legendary mini hatchback Autobianchi A112 is still remembered. It is a very compact car, having 8 generations. The latter literally "scattered" around the country and abroad in the amount of ~1,255,000 copies. Of course, hatchbacks were not powerful. They installed motors with a volume of less than 1 liter, and the power did not exceed 70 liters. from. But they were charming, compact and economical. It was appreciated.

Iveco

This concern can be safely called "young" in comparison with all of the above, since it was formed in 1975. It consisted of several well-known companies - FIAT, Magirus-Deutz, Lancia, OM and the French division of Fiat.

Within a few years after the formation of Iveco, many more car factories from different countries joined it. Even the British division of Ford, which was engaged in the production of a truck, became part of it. And the Italian company that produces dump trucks (Astra).

Of course, the Iveco concern does not own the best Italian cars. The brands listed earlier in this succeeded more. But Iveco released a multi-purpose army armored car LMV! The maximum weight of the towed cargo can reach 4,200 kilograms, and overcoming the 0.85-meter ford does not constitute this car labor. If you perform the preliminary training, it will be able to pass through 1.5 m. But more importantly, it's really possible to install a variety of machine guns on this model.

Final list

Well, there are only two groups of all that exist in Italy. And one of them is private. This is De Tomaso Automobili, which was founded in 1955, and abolished in 2012. The concern was successful, engaged in production of sports cars. Was even designed a famous car for the participation of Frank Williams in Formula-1. The company was making progress, but in 2003, unfortunately, its founder, Alejandro de Tomaso, passed away. The firm began to experience a decline. Her "revival" was planned in the beginning of 2010, but in the end everything ended with the liquidation of the company.

And, finally, the last firm is Lancia, which has existed for 111 years already. The concern produces vehicles of almost all categories, beginning with microvan and business class and ending with trucks, trolleybuses and commercial vehicles. Even a model for the rally was created. At Lancia Fulvia, the company won the last World Championship for Automobile Manufacturers (1972). And in the team classification she won 10 times.