Alfa Romeo gallery

As the Italian firm unveils the MiTo, we take a look back at some of its predecessors.

March 2008

There's no doubt that the new MiTo is set to be one of the stars of 2008. With stunning looks and a sharp chassis it will be the supermini to have this year.

It's the latest in long line of characterful motors from the Italian firm, which is set to celebrate its centenary in 2010.

From family runarounds to fire-breathing supercars, Alfa has always built cars for that appeal to driving enthusiasts. Whether they're on a tight budget or have the deepest pockets there has always been something for everyone.

To celebrate the MiTo's arrival we've taken look back at some of the company's greatest hits - and one real miss!. So take some time to have a click through and see if you can spot your favourite.

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1. Alfa 8C Competitzione

Arguably one of the most beautiful cars ever produced, the 8C Competitzione is already assured legendary status. Just 500 of the carbon fibre-bodied, 450 bhp machines were built. This year's Geneva Motor Show saw the lauch of the even rarer Roadster version.

2. Alfa 147 GTA

There are sharper hot hatches than the GTa, but none that are as characterful. Underneath pumped up 147 bodywork lurks the Italian firm's glorious 3.2-litre V6. It produces such a wonderful noise that you can forgive the slightly wayward handling.

3. Alfa RZ/SZ

Not one of the Italian firm's best looking cars but rarity means it has attained classic status. Only around 1,300 of both the coupe and roadster were built, all fitted with a 210bhp 3.0-litre V6. Suspension was taken from Group A racing version of 75 saloon.

4. Alfa 164

With decent reliability and good rust proofing, the Pininfarina penned 164 helped to turn around Alfa's shaky UK reputation. When it was launched in 1988 it was the last car from 'Type 4' collaboration, which also produced the Fiat Croma, Lancia Thema and Saab 9000.

5. Alfa Arna

The Arna was the unhappy result of a partnership between Alfa and Nissan. Combining dull Japanese styling with fragile Italian mechanicals and build meant that the few cars that did sell soon broke down or rusted away. As a result the collaboration between the two companies dissolved as quickly as the cars.

6. Alfa Sprint

Introduced in 1976 the Sprint covered tried and tested Sud mechanicals in a sleek coupe body. Power came from either the 1.3, 1.5 or 1.7-litre boxer engine. Tweaks to the suspension gave it one of the finest front-wheel drive chassis of the day.

7. Alfa 33 Cloverleaf

When the 33 replaced the excellent Alfasud in 1983 it was reckoned by many to be a step backwards. Not only was it plagued by electrical and rust problems, but it was also heavier and had less powerful brakes. However, when production ceased in 1995 more than 1 million had found homes.

8. Alfasud

One of the most popular Alfas of all time, the 'Sud is best remembered for its excellent handling, neat styling and characterful boxer engines. Despite its looks the car was actually a saloon when launched in 1972 - a hatch didn't arrive until 1981. Like many Italian cars of the period it suffered from rust and good ones are now highly prized.

9. Alfa Spider

The 'Duetto' was made famous by its starring role alongside Dustin Hoffman in the Hollywood film 'The Graduate'. First launched in 1966 the car featured a 109bhp 1.6-litre twin cam motor and delicate 'boat-tail' styling. Although later versions lost the pure looks of the original the two-seater stayed in production for 27 years.

10. Alfa GTA

Based on the Pretty Giulia Sprint, the GTA was specially developed by Alfa's racing division Autodelta. The 'A' stood for 'Alleggerita', which is Italian for lightweight. This meant alumimium instead of steel for the body panels, while plastic replaced glass in some of the windows. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine featured eight spark plugs.

11. Alfa 33 Stradale

Only 18 of these cars were built making it one of the rarest Alfas ever produced. Based on the the Tipo 33 racer it featured a remarkable 2.0-litre V8 that revved to an incredible 10,000rpm. The sprint from standstill to 60mph was dispatched in a blistering 5.5 seconds, while the top speed was 160mph.

12. Alfa Romeo 8C

The first Alfa to carry the 8C name was essentially a racing car for the road. Under the long bonnet was a straight-eight motor that ranged from 2.3 to 2.9-litres. The last examples were fitted with a supercharger, could push out up to 300bhp and had the sort of performance that could worry many of today's supercars.

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Alfa Romeo gallery

As the Italian firm unveils the MiTo, we take a look back at some of its predecessors.