Inspiration

 There exist very few models that rouse fascination like the Alfa Romeo C52 'Disco Volante'. 

The briefing at Carrozzeria Touring in 1952 mentioned the need for a shape that was ‘insensitive to wind’. The unique basic design, featuring an oval cross section, evolved in different versions, and was even registered as ‘design patent’. Using Alfa Romeo 1900 C elements, the car received a new aluminium crankcase, a new tubular chassis, and a very light, striking and efficient aluminium body. Initially aimed at races in the Sport category, the C52 soon reached the status of design icon. It is one of the most important models in the history of Touring, so innovative that it influenced the automotive design for decades. It also is one of the best examples to illustrate the credo of Touring’s founder Carlo Felice Bianchi Anderloni. The Disco Volante is so significant in the history of automobile design, that Alfa Romeo has chosen this Touring bodywork to celebrate its own 100th anniversary with a bronze sculpture now exhibited in Milan.