Alfa Romeo C52 Sport

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Description

The Alfa Romeo C52 Sport, often referred to as the Disco Volante (Flying Saucer), is one of the most striking and innovative cars of the 1950s. Built by Alfa Romeo’s experimental department in collaboration with Carrozzeria Touring, the C52 was a design and engineering marvel, created to test new technologies and aerodynamic principles. Although it never entered mass production, the C52 left an indelible mark on automotive history as a precursor to the lightweight, streamlined sports cars that followed.

The C52 was powered by Alfa Romeo’s proven 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, derived from the Alfa Romeo 1900 series. Initially, this engine was naturally aspirated, producing approximately 158 horsepower. Later versions were tuned for even greater performance. Mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, the car could achieve speeds of over 140 mph, a remarkable feat for the early 1950s.

The C52’s chassis was based on a modified Alfa Romeo 1900 platform, employing a tubular steel frame for lightness and rigidity. Independent suspension at the front and a live rear axle ensured competent handling and stability, particularly at high speeds. The car’s braking system used drum brakes, which were standard for the era but well-engineered to cope with the car’s performance capabilities.

The most striking aspect of the C52 was its aerodynamic, futuristic bodywork, designed by Carrozzeria Touring using their patented Superleggera (super-light) construction method. This technique combined an aluminum body with a tubular steel framework, resulting in a car that was both lightweight and structurally sound. The flowing, rounded lines of the Disco Volante earned it its “Flying Saucer” nickname, as its design resembled spacecraft imagery popular during the 1950s.

The body’s design emphasized minimal air resistance, with a low nose, faired-in headlights, a long tapering tail, and covered wheels. Every detail was meticulously crafted to reduce drag and maximize speed, making the C52 a rolling experiment in aerodynamics. This focus on sleek, streamlined shapes would later influence countless sports cars and racing vehicles.

While the C52 never entered competitive racing as planned, it served as a vital testbed for Alfa Romeo’s engineering advancements. It also captured the public’s imagination, becoming an icon of mid-century automotive design and innovation. Only a handful of prototypes were built, including both open and closed body styles, making the C52 extremely rare and highly sought after.

Today, the Alfa Romeo C52 Sport remains a symbol of avant-garde thinking and technical ambition. It is celebrated at prestigious automotive events and museums worldwide, where its extraordinary design and engineering continue to inspire admiration. As one of Alfa Romeo’s most iconic and daring creations, the C52 Disco Volante encapsulates the brand’s legacy of blending cutting-edge technology with artistic beauty.

Additional information

Manufacturer

Alfa Romeo

Country

Italy

Production Started

1952

Production Stopped

1953

Vehicle Type

Bodystyle

Roadster

Number of Doors

2

Number of Seats

2

Top Speed

124 mph (200 kph)

0-60 mph (0-100 kph)

Power

118 / 160 / 158 @ 6500 rpm

Torque

Engine Manufacturer

Alfa Romeo

Engine

Inline 4

Engine Location

Front

Engine Displacement

1997 cc (121.3 cu in)

Valvetrain

DOHC

Valves per Cylinder

2

Bore / Stroke

85 x 88 mm (3.346 x 3.465 in)

Compression Ratio

8.7:1

Cooling System

Water

Charging System

Fuel Type

Petrol

Fuel System

Carburator, 2 x Weber

Aspiration

Normal

Fuel Capacity

Drive

Rear

Transmission

M4

Steering

Front Brakes

Rear Brakes

Front Suspension

Rear Suspension

Tyre Dimensions

Chassis

Weight

735 kg (1620 lb)

Length

Width

Height

Wheelbase

2220 mm (87.4 in)