Description
The Alfa Romeo G1, produced in 1921, holds the distinction of being Alfa Romeo’s first model after the company’s rebranding from A.L.F.A. (Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili) to Alfa Romeo, following the acquisition by Nicola Romeo. Designed as a luxury touring car, the G1 was aimed at competing with high-end automobiles of the time, such as Rolls-Royce. Under the hood, the G1 was equipped with a massive 6.3-liter inline-six engine, capable of producing 70 horsepower, which allowed the car to reach a top speed of around 86 mph (140 km/h). This engine made it one of the most powerful production cars of its era, reinforcing Alfa Romeo’s ambition to combine luxury with performance.
Despite its advanced engineering, the G1 faced challenges in the market, particularly in Italy, where luxury cars were a limited market segment due to the country’s post-World War I economy. Only 52 units of the G1 were ever produced, and it didn’t achieve the commercial success Alfa Romeo had hoped for. However, the G1 demonstrated the company’s commitment to high performance and luxurious design, values that would define Alfa Romeo’s brand in the years to come. Only one known G1 has survived, making it a rare and highly valuable piece of automotive history. This model laid the groundwork for Alfa Romeo’s future, showcasing its technical capabilities and vision for combining power, elegance, and craftsmanship.