A Time for Exploration

The early 20th century was a great time for inventors and entrepreneurs to push the boundaries of cars but also aircraft developments, and A.L.F.A was no exception. While the 24 HP car was being developed, two A.L.F.A. technicians – Antonio Santoni and Nino Franchini – got permission to use a 24 HP engine as a powerplant to a prototype aircraft that was built at the Portello factory. The biplane used a structure made out of bicycle tubes. On September 17, 1910, Nino Franchini took off for the first time from Piazza d’Armi. While the airplane didn’t have a commercial future, it proved the reliability and capability of the first A.L.F.A. engine.

Nino Franchini and the “Biplano” (1910).

A.L.F.A. 40/60 HP “Aerodinamica”

The exploration on how to improve aerodynamics of the newly created automotive industry also took place. While cars still resembled horse-and-carriage design, a few visionaries started to dream about more extreme and aerodynamic shapes. The 40-60 HP “Aerodinamica” was commissioned by Count Marco Ricotti of Milan and built by Carrozzeria Castagna, based on an Alfa 40-60 HP vehicle. The “Aerodinamica” was built entirely of metal, was completely enclosed and had circular windows. The vehicle achieved a top speed of 86 mph (139 kph).