Alfa Romeo Sculpture Donation for the Centenary

Dear all,
one of the world's most prestigious Car-makers, Alfa Romeo, is about to celebrate its 100th anniversary. An extraordinary event for a Company still in business, a company that managed to turn its history into legend. Alfa is a small company born from the bankruptcy of another car-maker, Darraq. It had a troubled life marked by union unrest, frequent structural changes, financial problems, two world wars, strikes, sabotages and attacks, political pressures... . And yet, against all the odds, the famous workshops of the Portello and Arese, where as Enzo Ferrari put it "mechanics could make gloves for flies!", gave us prestigious cars driven by legendary men that won everything there was to win, on racetracks and roads all over the world. And there is more to it than just cars.

The Alfa Romeo logo, the Biscione, ancient crest of the Viscontis of Milan dating back to the 11th century and the Crusades, has won the heart of all sportsmen and made many heads turn and exclaim: "It's an Alfa!". The Four-leaf clover, an emblem of the good luck that accompanied Alfa's achievements, came to identify the audacity and sporty nature of the cars of the "Biscione". These are living symbols of an immortal myth.

Where the extraordinary plants that manufactured vehicles capable of eclipsing more illustrious car-makers once stood, today only an anonymous shopping centre remains. Nothing is left to remember the talent of designers like Merosi, Jano, Satta Puliga, Chiti... . who created true masterpieces, or the drivers that brought them to victory, like Campari, Nuvolari, Fangio, and many more. Nor the coachbuilders, who turned those engineering wonders into works of art: Zagato, Touring, Castagna, Pininfarina... . Enzo Ferrari, who built his future success and glory on his days at Alfa Romeo, always said that Alfa had been a great life coach for him and that it had taught him the most important lessons!

Well, today at the Portello, nothing is left to remember this Car-maker we love dearly, nor its cars, not even the most modern ones, still capable of stirring passions and giving so much pleasure to those lucky enough to drive one. Each of them tells and embodies a fascinating story made of men with a burning desire for victory. Always. This oblivion is unjustified and highly undeserved.

For this reason Registro Italiano Alfa Romeo (RIAR), a part of Alfa reality since 1962, decided to promote on behalf and in the name of the numerous Alfa Romeo enthusiasts it represents an initiative that will finally honour and remind to the generations to come the role of the Milanese auto maker in car history and its place in the heart of all car lovers. It is in this spirit that, on occasion of the centennial celebrations of Alfa Romeo (1910-2010), we decided to present the city of Milan with a monument to be placed in a scenic and highly visible location. A memento and tribute to those who turned Alfa history into an immortal legend.

The monument, to be cast in bronze and realized by a famous sculptor, was designed by Centro Stile Alfa Romeo in Arese. It was inspired by the 1900 C52 "Disco Volante", a car produced in the 50s: its modern lines make it the perfect synthesis of past and future, a hymn to speed and style, and the ideal complement to the grand plinth designed by Milanese architects Monica Mariani and Claudio Lo Passo that will represent part of an engine, the very heart of all Alfas. This work of art will symbolise the philosophy and traditions that always guided the Biscione.

The design and realization costs of this monument are considerable. Since RIAR is a non-profit association it is necessary to launch a subscription among RIAR Members and Alfa Friends all over the world to bring this project to life. We are asking each of You a € 60.00 (sixty) contribution. The name of all the people who support us will be written on a parchment to be sealed, placed in a metal container and immured in the monument. Every supporter will also receive a receipt accompanied by an exclusive numbered model of the monument on a 1:43 scale, a limited edition matching the exact number of the subscribers. A numbered series of 99 bronze reproductions of the original monument on a 1:10 scale, signed by Centro Stile Alfa Romeo and by the artist, will be offered for sale through a renowned Art Organization. An interesting publication presenting the creation process of the monument and its reproductions and the history of Centro Stile Alfa Romeo will also be released.

The inauguration of the monument at the presence of all Authorities and Alfa lovers who decide to attend is scheduled for June 2010 during the Centenary celebrations. This initiative received the authorization and full support of the Municipality of Milan and was welcomed by Fiat Auto, one of Alfa Romeo's shareholders. We trust it will be met with the same consensus and enthusiasm by each and every one of You and that we will all share the pleasure of contributing to making Alfa's heritage and brand image immortal. Thank you.

Stefano d'Amico

For Your contribution
In order to make the whole operation as transparent as possible, its administration has been entrusted to a reputable Law Firm in Milan. All donations will have to follow the instructions on the enclosed form. Please take the time to fill it in every part and return it to the RIAR Office. We will see to it that you receive a receipt and a certificate of origin and authenticity for the exclusive 1:43 scale models realized for the Alfa Centenary.