Customised Diecast Models

1:18 scale Alfa Romeo models

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For more information on these Alfa Romeo models check the articles after the pictures at the bottom of this page.

Alfa Romeo

Historic Badge of honour.

Few car badges have as much history attached to them as the ones that have been gracing Alfa Romeos for the past 90 years. The Circular emblem was created in 1910 - The year that Alfa was established - by combining a red cross from the city of Milan ’s coat of arms and the Biscione, a dragon-cum-snake used as a heraldic symbol by the noble Visconti family. The logo has remained relatively unchanged since then.

The origins of both symbols are from much earlier times. The Cross is reminiscent of that carried by the Lombard battalion when it embarked on the first crusade in 1095. Heading the battalion was Ottone Visconti, ancestor of the family that many years later became the Lords of Milan.

The snake was said to signify strength and wisdom and was used by Germanic Lombard tribes in Northern Italy in the sixth century. They used the snake on a blue background on their battle flags. Legend has it that one of the Visconti ancestors had rid the surrounding countryside of a terrible dragon, which led to the court designers of the time to create the Biscione by combining the body of the Lombard snake with the head of the dragon.

It was in June24 1910 that a group of Italian businessmen bought the Italian operation of French company Darracq, on the outskirts of Milan, to form what was then know as Alfa - Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili. A few years later, limited resources and the outbreak of World War one saw the company come under the control of Nicola Romeo, who added his family name to the title. Fiat swallowed Alfa Romeo up in 1986.

Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 – 1933

The 8C 2300 Alfa Romeo racer was a popular attraction during the l93Os, and many people wanted to own one as a touring car. In answer to this demand, Alfa Romeo constructed a limited number of spider body touring versions of this racer during the years 1931 - 1934. Many of these cars were entered in races, most notably the “Mule Miglia” (thousand mile race), and won a substantial number of these races (32 times in first place, 25 times in second place, and 16 times in third place). Of the 188 Spider touring cars constructed, it is reported that 101 still exist today, primarily in museums, but also driven by the vintage car enthusiasts.

The structural elegance of the engine, together with brilliant acceleration and fine body shape, made this Alfa Romeo a legendary car. Special versions, were prepared for the 24 Hours in Le Mans in 1933, but also participated in the Tourist Trophy in that year. In 1939 it participated in the Grand Prix in Australia . This is one of the few Alfa Romeo which was originally painted black. Many versions of this Alfa exist, all fitted with the 2300 cc motor and each time modified according to the necessities of the different races in which they participated.

The Le Mans model had a longer chassis to increase its aerodynamics for the 24 Hours in Le Mans and produced between 165 and 180 hp and maximum speeds of 200 and 215 km/hr a slightly different version won two consecutive editions of the Mille Miglia. Later wins with Borzacchini-Bignami, in 1932, and Nuvolari_Compagnoni, in 1933, were the first successes of the private racing team of Enzo Ferrari. The Scuderia Ferrari Racing Team, which later became the famous sport car factory.

Alfa Romeo 8C 2600 Mille Miglia - Scuderia Ferrari

In 1930 the first prototype of the 8C 2300 series was produced which became famous as a race- and sport-car during those years. Originally the body was designed for 2 people; however some units were produced with 4 seats. This race car was used by the Alfa Romeo factory team as well as by the private Ferrari Racing Team. The first victories in very important races were achieved in the years 1931/32 and especially the “Mille Miglia” and “Targa Floro” as well as “ Le Mans ” in France were the outstanding races. After the retreat of factory teams in 1933 the remaining cars were bought by the Ferrari stable. Ferrari extended the motor to 2556 cc which achieved a higher powered engine from 165 to 178 HP. This race car had the description 8C 2600 and won the “Mille Miglia” 1934 as well as other important races.

Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza GP “Muletto”

In 1931, when new auto racing regulations were implemented, ALFA ROMEO resolved to develop a new 8 cylinder racer. For power, they selected the proven veteran 165 hp motor with 5400 rpm. The engine was housed in a completely new body designed in accordance with the new regulations then in effect.

It’s debut at the 9th Grand Prix of Italy brought ALFA ROMEO a fabulous success and the trail of victories continued throughout 1931 and 1932.

Through additional technical improvements which increased the engine output to 178 hp, speeds of up to 225 km/h could be achieved.

Probably the best known driver of this model was Caracciola. In 1932 he captured 2nt place at the Monaco Grand Prix, just 3 seconds behind Nuvolari. That proved to be the beginning of a long series of triumphal successes: 2nd place at the Avus Race, winner at the Eifel and Polish Grand Prix.

As an honour to the car’s stamina Caracciola nicknamed the car “Muletto”.

Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza Sports

The motor derives from the 17506 cylinder and maintains the bore and stroke. Production of different versions of this model started in 1931 and ceased in 1934. 188 series vehicles were produced and another 27 were prepared for racing.

The Monza model, with a short wheel base, produced between 165 and 178 hp and a maximum speed respectively of 210 and 225 km/hr. The more powerful versions were fitted with a compressor. Motor: 8 cylinders. Total cylinder capacity: 2336 cc. Horse Power: 180. Maximum speed: 205 km/hr. Feed: forced with compressor. Chassis/coachwork open, 2 seater.