Nicola Romeo(1876-1938)
After graduating from school, Romeo began studying technology, which he completed in 1900. He then lived and worked abroad for some time. In 1911 Romeo returned to Italy, where he founded the company "Ing. Nicola Romeo e Co." founded. The company manufactured mining machines and mining equipment. In 1915 Romeo expanded and acquired its first shares in A.L.F.A. This company was founded in 1906 by the French industrialist Alexandre Darracq as a car assembly plant in Naples. Shortly afterwards, Darracq's factory had moved to Portello, a suburb of Milan. The poor economic development forced Darracq to sell the company in 1909. Some businessmen, with the support of the Agricultural Bank, acquired the company in 1910 and founded the company "Anonima Lombarda Fabrica Automobili" (ALFA). To make cars, they hired designer Guiseppe Merosi. The "24HP" model, the first independent ALFA model, goes back to him.
The ALFA automobiles achieved notable successes at racing events in 1913, which increased the brand's awareness. With Italy's entry into the First World War in 1915, interest in automobiles also waned. The company ran into economic difficulties, from which the machine manufacturer Romeo rescued it. The company initially served as a supplier of defense products, including aircraft engines. In 1918, Romeo gained absolute majority control of the company by paying out additional shareholders. The majority shareholder gave the company the name "Società Anonima Italiana Ing. Nicola Romeo". After the First World War, production capacity became available again, which Romeo could now use to restart automobile production. But compressors, agricultural machinery and locomotives were also part of the production program. Romeo relied on the good reputation ALFA automobiles had already acquired. He just added his last name and the Alfa Romeo brand was born. He also continued to use the established emblem of the Milanese cross and snake.
In 1919 Alfa launched the first Targa Florio. With the Type 20-30 a real sports car was constructed, which had a shorter and lighter chassis than its predecessor and a displacement of 4250 cc. In addition to its racing successes, this car also sold well thanks to its wire-spoke wheels and sporty design. This was followed by a six-cylinder engine designed by Merosi with a three-liter displacement, but it was not used in racing due to changes in the regulations. The car was sold as a sports car RL. In 1920, Enzo Ferrari joined the company as a racing driver. The company's sports and racing car sector became increasingly important, especially due to his passion for car racing. The RL sports car model became a bestseller. But the company's own experience was not enough to build a Grand Prix model. However, through Enzo Ferrari, Alfa Romeo came into contact with the designer Vittorio Jano, who gave the company its first Grand Prix victory. The competition success meant the brand's breakthrough on the racing and sports car market.
Alfa Romeo became a premium brand. The vehicles were still assembled by hand, although assembly line production had now developed. Nevertheless, Alfa Romeo became the international leading manufacturer of fast cars. As early as 1924, the P2 model reached over 220 kilometers per hour, with which Alfa won the world championship. In addition to car manufacturing, the construction of tractors and locomotives continued until 1925. Alfa Romeo racing cars wrote racing history. Successful models at the time included the 6C 1750 and the 8C 2300, which achieved numerous racing victories. The experience in this sector was used to build sports cars for road use. From then on, Alfa Romeo was synonymous with sporty driving. Another special feature is the chic design, an expression of Italian aesthetics and Mediterranean taste, which made and still makes the cars sought-after items to buy. The entrepreneur, who had now made automobile history, left the company in 1928. He continued to be financially involved in other industrial activities and in transport until his old age.
Nicola Romeo died on August 15, 1938 in Magreglio on Lake Como. He left behind a wife and seven children.
The ALFA automobiles achieved notable successes at racing events in 1913, which increased the brand's awareness. With Italy's entry into the First World War in 1915, interest in automobiles also waned. The company ran into economic difficulties, from which the machine manufacturer Romeo rescued it. The company initially served as a supplier of defense products, including aircraft engines. In 1918, Romeo gained absolute majority control of the company by paying out additional shareholders. The majority shareholder gave the company the name "Società Anonima Italiana Ing. Nicola Romeo". After the First World War, production capacity became available again, which Romeo could now use to restart automobile production. But compressors, agricultural machinery and locomotives were also part of the production program. Romeo relied on the good reputation ALFA automobiles had already acquired. He just added his last name and the Alfa Romeo brand was born. He also continued to use the established emblem of the Milanese cross and snake.
In 1919 Alfa launched the first Targa Florio. With the Type 20-30 a real sports car was constructed, which had a shorter and lighter chassis than its predecessor and a displacement of 4250 cc. In addition to its racing successes, this car also sold well thanks to its wire-spoke wheels and sporty design. This was followed by a six-cylinder engine designed by Merosi with a three-liter displacement, but it was not used in racing due to changes in the regulations. The car was sold as a sports car RL. In 1920, Enzo Ferrari joined the company as a racing driver. The company's sports and racing car sector became increasingly important, especially due to his passion for car racing. The RL sports car model became a bestseller. But the company's own experience was not enough to build a Grand Prix model. However, through Enzo Ferrari, Alfa Romeo came into contact with the designer Vittorio Jano, who gave the company its first Grand Prix victory. The competition success meant the brand's breakthrough on the racing and sports car market.
Alfa Romeo became a premium brand. The vehicles were still assembled by hand, although assembly line production had now developed. Nevertheless, Alfa Romeo became the international leading manufacturer of fast cars. As early as 1924, the P2 model reached over 220 kilometers per hour, with which Alfa won the world championship. In addition to car manufacturing, the construction of tractors and locomotives continued until 1925. Alfa Romeo racing cars wrote racing history. Successful models at the time included the 6C 1750 and the 8C 2300, which achieved numerous racing victories. The experience in this sector was used to build sports cars for road use. From then on, Alfa Romeo was synonymous with sporty driving. Another special feature is the chic design, an expression of Italian aesthetics and Mediterranean taste, which made and still makes the cars sought-after items to buy. The entrepreneur, who had now made automobile history, left the company in 1928. He continued to be financially involved in other industrial activities and in transport until his old age.
Nicola Romeo died on August 15, 1938 in Magreglio on Lake Como. He left behind a wife and seven children.