Thanks so much for watching this episode. This week has been a great one for new subscribers so, if this is the first video you're watching since following, welcome and thank you! As always, I'd love to hear your three favourite designs from Alfa! Leave a comment below and I look forward to reading them. Best, Frank.
Nice Video Again ! But there is not really something to add to your selection. The GTV is a timeless beauty, just imagine driving through the Bavarian Mountains without a Radio
The 33 Stradale gets right in, of course. For me the other 2 would be the Duetto Spider (for its wonderfully clean surfacing) and the Alfasud Sprint Veloce (because I owned one back in the day and it still makes the '70s wedge shape look beautiful). The trouble with these old Alfas is that they assault you through their looks, the way they move and the way they sound. You just don't stand a chance of not falling in love.
“What makes Alfa Romeos so desirable: 1. Highly emotive 2. Timeless looks 3. Cultural authenticity” Words of a master. Thank you Frank! Love this series!
For me, the Alfa 159 is so underrated...look at it next to an Audi, Mercedes or Bmw from the same era: the Alfa will look as it went in production 10 years later of the others.
The back end looks aaa little dated, but that front end... It was the best looking front end when it was first launched and has been every year since, and it will probably never stop being the best looking front end. It just doesn't age. It just looks universally good.
@@dawnkeyy yeah I can agree on the back, but still it isn’t that bad if you compare it to the other cars of that era. A true masterpiece. Unfortunately, talking about performance, it wasn’t as sporty as the Giulia and it didn’t get a quadrifoglio version...
Seeing Alfa Romeo carrying the signature grille through the years is very pleasing. Some manufacturers coughcoughbmwcoughcough should take it as an example and not cheap out on buckteeth.
to me it feels like bmw sold their soul to the chinese market and makes the west suffer by looking at that hideous new grille. In general i don't like the trend of making enormous grilles, all you see these days are enormous grilles.I'm looking at you, Mazda, Lexus etc. Mazda's look like basking sharks nowadays
Bmw has returned a bit more to their classic design with the new grills if they weren't that big ... In the past they had always vertical kidneys, only in the more modern era they changed them to horizontal which we are more familiar with ... So if the size wasn't that big it's literally more traditional than the recent designs
Frank, my father is a Sicilian immigrant who started a mechanics shop in the 70’s called Alfa auto clinic in Long Island New York and owned it until he retired a few years ago. Like yourself, the Alfa Romeo brand is engrained in my DNA through my family. My father has owned 2 out of your 3 picks (I’ll let you guess which one he couldn’t buy) and I’ve owned 3 Alfa 164’s. To this day we own a red 1969 GTV, a white 81’ spider and a 92’ red 164 sport. Excellent video and by far my favourite car CZcamsr.
I distinctly remember as a kid seeing a red Brera on the road for the first time, I don't know why it struck me so much, from that point on 7 years old me started asking a lot of questions about cars
Even the more plebian Alfas like the 147 and 156 are still great looking more than 20 years after their introduction. The more I learn about design the more I appreciate about them.
156 is propably the first saloon with coupe-a-like look so this could be the first step to 4 door saloons which we know today from Mercedes or BMW. Also shame that they didnt released 156 Shooting Brake (see concept in google) which was 15 years ahead of its time.
I owned one of the Giugiaro facelift sportswagons. So fun to drive, but as they say here in Finland: "Owning an Alfa is a very expensive hobby or a full time job." That statement is true even for their more normal vehicles.
@@vabu94 I own 156 2.5 Busso and thoose cars are not cheap to maintain and need more attention and knowledge. If you drive a lot and do big mileage then there's many cheaper and more relaible cars. But joy from a drive makes up for everything.
@@vabu94 Yet here I am trying to get a 2.0 TS. The reason to me is not just the design, but it and the 155 really vindicated themselves (they weren’t appreciated by Alfisti at the time due to them being Front-Wheel Drive) by racking up Touring Car wins.
@@IgorRapczewski The 156 Sportwagon isn't a bad compromise. I had known of the sedan and admired it, but only found out about the sportwagon in recent years. After 3 E39s (I still have 2), I've acquired an 05 156 sportwagon manual in alfa red with tan interior. Fun to drive and one of the most beautiful wagons I've ever seen.
I personally think it’s the most beautiful car ever! You can’t have a negative opinion or remark over its style whereas you can get critical of these designs shown the Montreal is a superb piece of Italian flair European style and unexplainable Alfa magic!
My first car was a 1969 ALFA spider (round tail) 1750 Spica injected that I bought new and kept for over 40 years...would still have it if I had the garage space. Now have a 2015 4C Launch Edition that I bought new....that is an amazing car. Many people don't get it as they expected a GT type car instead of a no nonsense drivers car. With just a few simple mods the 4C goes to the next level. I also had a 1967 GTV 1600cc that my buddy and I raced in SCCA racing in the US. Those GTVs were and are timeless cars. My favorite ALFAs.....T33s race cars, Stradelle of course, TZ1 and TZ2, GTAm of newer cars. The ultimate though are the classic ones of the 30s....those were works of art as shown by their value in the multi millions. I have driven real TZ1, GTA and GTAm all in race configuration....those are amazing cars handling is so good for cars that are that old...it is mesmerizing. Also drove a Montreal a few times....it was OK but not my cup of tea. ALFAs are just so much fun to drive and you look for any reason to take one for a drive. ALFA....Always Looking For Another!
I believe the Alfa 4c is modern classic. So short, yet proportional with pleasing contours. Now that it’s no longer available new, they are future collectible. An amazingly fun car to drive, look at and own.
Recently restored a GTV2000 Veloce with my uncle and that car is just amazing. Sounds good, is pretty fun to drive....and looks amazing. It's also incredible how many people turn their heads and give you thumbs up when they see you. People really seem to love the car, every age group (allthough especially the older generation).
Shoutout to Frank's english teacher! Must've been cool if she owned an Alfa. 3 top choices, although I prefer the earlier Giulia Sprint with the "Scalino" or Step Nose. I think it looks better. Alfa's such a great brand, hope to see more of it on the channel. An interview with current or past Alfa designers would be amazing. As a 145 QV owner I'd love to hear Chris Bangle or De Silva on his Alfa days. Ps: As a suggestion to the format, I'd add other honorable mentions apart from the "Top 3". Cars from that brand you find interesting design-wise or concept-wise but are not necessarily the most beautiful ever.
My late brother had an Alfasud ti in Benetton green, we drove with friends to Greece and back (from Brussels). My best car trip ever. The exterior look, the interior look, the sound of the boxer engine. A memory to cherish.
Mine are, like yours, a very personal story: 1) 164- not an obvious choice, but I saw one in an advert, and it awoke something in me that spawned a love of automotive design. I still have the advert today. I consider the 164 and the [Peugeot] 605 to be perfectly-styled sedans (though I give the #1 spot to the 164.) 2) The 916 generation Spider & GTV- the first time I went to Rome, these were everywhere, and I fell in love with the styling. Along with the 156, it reminds me of that trip. I love the sweeping cutlines to the rear breaklight, and consider the rear of the 916 GTV to be the best view of any car's rear. 3) the Gulia Berlina (1300) - I especially love the single headlamp version. I have a soft spot for 60s/70s European-sized 3-box sedans. Simple, clean, un-cluttered designs that do more with less and aren't trying too hard are immediately cool...it's textbook sprezzatura.
Not going to lie, I'm quite dissapointed that *NONE* of the TZs made the list. And, I'm rather surprised the 4c, 8c, Duetto Spider (early boat tail), Brera, and Disco Volante weren't on here as well. Nevertheless, great video! You could do a "best Alfa designs of each decade" video for the 50s through the 00s and still have plenty of content! Alfa is truly a powerhouse of emotional automotive design.
Alfa Romeo 33. When I was a teenager, somewhere in the mid eighties I saw that car parked in a small alley. I was so overwhelmed with this clean, black car. It had such a beautiful line and a peaceful presence. It was a first Alfa Romeo I saw in my life. I thought it was gorgeous 🥰.
My 1st car was an alfa..a 159 jts ti. Its truly changed my life, I had a crap job and I couldn't afford to keep it service + fuel..so I had to get a better job to afford it. The car also kick started my love for cars.
I’m an alfaholic and would love for you to do a critique episode for modern (90’s and up)Alfa Romeo’s. Like the GTV/Spider, the 164, the 159, the new Giulia. Or perhaps do separate 80’s, 90’s and 00’s episode?
Really enjoy your videos. I would love to see a similar episode on Lancia. I would love to hear what you have to say about the Fulvia coupe. Thanks and keep these coming!
100% agree on the 1750 GTV. I had a silver (similar to 5:08 except no green stripe) beautiful "driver" condition 1750 GTV in the mid 90's while in my late teens/early 20's. The prior owner had done a show quality paint job so it was absolutely stunning in morning/evening light. Zero rust as well, which was unusual for old cars in the area. Had to sell when my parents sold their house and I (as a college student) no longer had a place to store it in the winters. I'd love to get one again some day. Interesting side note, the mechanic that did some work on my car (Keith Goring's shop in CT) actually owned a 33 Stradale at the time. I got to see the car a few times in the workshop, a very fortunate experience - truly the most beautiful car of all time.
I grew up getting blasted around in a GTV6 B200 Chaparral... ADORE the brand. As a designer, don't you love that they use a lower-case 'a' for alfa and a capital 'R' for Romeo, just to give the logo a lovely swooping and rounded script!? I know I appreciate that irreverence! Best channel on YT, Frank. Stay healthy mate. - UK
Great selection. As a kid I also grew up with Alfa Romeo, first two subsequent Alfettas, then the Alfa 6, then the 75 that unfortunately was the last one due to unreliable electronics. Back to Alfa when I bought my own 159 Q4 sportswagon. I love that brand, looking forward to returning to it.
Nice episode, Frank. I really enjoy your channel! My top Alfa Romeo designs would be: 1. Alfa Romeo 8C 2. Alfa Romeo 156 pre-facelift (best looking four door sedan ever) 3. Alfa Romeo 159 SW - Alfa Romeo's Sportwagons always looked great, and in the case of the 159 better than the sedan. It's a shame they didn't make a SW of the "new" Giulia. Perhaps you could make a design!?
Alfa Romeo: the brand that first got me interested in cars. My first car was a modern Giulietta. My second and current car is a BMW F36. Still feel connected to the brand. I might return some day.
@Tommaso Luce the Giulia actually misses quite a lot of things that I want. But it's really beautiful though. I'm looking into a diesel cruiser such as the new 5 or 7 series. From sportiness to comfort. I drive quite a bit actually (30k km's per year) and therefore start to value different things.
@@hazardeur haha well, I'm a professional photographer. Little surprised by your question, but a at least you are being respectful, unlike a lot of people in the comments in general.
@@EktorTsolodimos treat others like i want to be treated is my motto so it's a given for me to be as respectful as I can, thanks. 30k really is a lot. I once did about 10k in a year and thought i'm constantly on the road lol. You must really like your work and be in demand then I guess, which is great!
@@hazardeur great mentality! I do love my work indeed, which is something I wish everybody had. People are always like "It's not about work bla bla". Well, actually in many cases life is pretty much working all day. Then it beter be something you enjoy. I honestly feel like I don't have a job, even though I work easily 60 hours a week. I can highly recommend that. All the best to you!
I wish you made an exception and did a Top 5 Alfa's. Also please consider doing something like overview/history or top pics for Pininfarina, Giugiaro, etc. Great work as always!
When a was 3-4 years old i got in the back of a car for the first time, the first thing that hit me was the profume, it was an Alfa Romeo Giulia 4 doors of the 50's.
Woooow Alfa is really EMOTIONAL 👌🔥. Well, Alfas have always looked nice and well designed For instance, most latest Alfas are good looking and even some call them sexy. Take for instance C4 and C8. Also the latest Giulietta QV and Giulia quadrofoglio. Great job alfa romeo 👏👍💪
The Alfa 156 estate must be the most perfect estate car design...?? Maybe you could show us your thought on estate car design in a future video, Frank??
For me it's the 159 SW Ti - possibly the most beautiful estate ever. The 156 is a better, more fun drive on the backroads though. 90s and 2000s Alfa's are the best designed cars comparative to the competition in their era. 916 GTV and SZ are standout, original designs with no equal among 90's 2 door hatches. 155, 156 and 159 were the best saloon designs in their time - and the only to really stand out, apart from possibly the e30 and some volvo designs. This was at a time when japanese design language dominated and all of the rest relied on retro elements with little innovation. The Brera was a standout concept that unfortunately was made into a portly coupe. The craziest thing about all these cars was that they were not exclusive models like the TZ2 or the Tipo 33, but attainable, afordable everyday cars, arguably with designs that demonstrated the same level of attention to detail as the 3 examples mentioned in the video. I do not know of another brand that has done this.
I had two Alfa Romeos in my life. A 33 from the late 90ies and a 164 Twin Spark. I loved both. From the Design point of view, I love the 4c, the 8c and the Disco Volante. These three looks gorgeous.
Would you ever consider in future videos design a modern-day version of a past car on the spot (also teach viewers how to approach it while respecting the DNA of the past design). Thanks for uploading, I learn a lot from your videos about design and systems architecture.
I love the Alfa Romeo Alfasud, the 8C Competizione and the Montreal. One day please make a video about weird cars like the Fiat Dino, the coupe designed by Bertone and the cabrio by Pininfarina. My father owned the cabrio in Madrid, Spain.
I was waiting for the 33 Stradale! That's my favorite car! I particularly like the 8C, as well, and am a bit surprised it wasn't mentioned. To me that car has the best proportions Ive ever seen and they are really shown off from the rear 3/4 view. Great video still, cheers
@@fredriksvard2603 cooler yes, but some day i may have 200.000 buks to spend on a car. but not millions for a origional. and yes the 200K is a dream and please let me have this one dream.
@@fredriksvard2603 im afraid it is going to get much worse in the future. wont be long til u can only get new cars that are electric. ges wat the price for the "grandfathered" fuel cars is going to do. petrol heads like me are going to drive the second hand market insane
I've given up driving but looking at the Giuletta and the 1750, I feel a pang. Don't know the last car but I've seen the first two and they are gorgeous, the Giuletta on the feminine side, the 1750, so distinctively, masculine and Italian. You have the eye, maestro.
I fell in love with Alfa Romeo with the Brera since when I was really getting into cars it was their latest sporty coupé. I just love how that car looks. I’d really like to own one at some point.
I’m an Alfisto through and through. Whilst selecting my favourite Alfas I haven’t considered modern ones of which the 4 C gets my vote. The 105 series definitely gets my vote as every model of the 105 is great. Looks, styling, ride, handling and performance are important as is character in any car! Then the 2600 Sprint as it’s a mix of the the long straight six legacy of Alfa coupled with as modern a car as they could produce at the time. The Tipo 33 Stradale is undoubtedly the most brilliant offering in terms of design and wow factor Alfa has ever produced and is definitely in my top three!
Love your aesthtic passion for design Fred. Im an alphisti without the required budget - whilst a modest lil coupe I had 2 alphasud Sprints - one a 1980's black green cloverleaf - was riddled with rust but due to an advantageous insurance claim from a collision I blew the budget in getting the body restored - however the body shop rang said they never imagined how much rust a car could have and we had to put a ceiling on thwe budget. But I never looked back at a car when getting out of one as much as this lil pocket rocket. Was like a stealth fighter before they were even imagined ha
33 Stradale. Pure emotion. Greatest car design ever. Period. And I'm biased, I own a 147 GTA which is the greates hot hatch design ever. Did I mentioned I was biased?
Personally I think the Giulia Quadrifoglio deserves honorable mention, while there have been many good looking and handsome sedans, like the E34 5 series and the W204 C class, the Giulia QV is one of the only sedans ever built that is, to my eyes at least, genuinely beautiful.
The 33 Stradale was at the Alfa Romeo Museo outside of Milan when I visited on a weekday in late '94. We had the run of the museum to ourselves and ended up being able to sit in some of the race cars and really taking our time to look at everything in detail. I had my buddy photograph me with the 33 Stradale as it was by far, the most sensuously beautiful car in the display (although I agree with Frank's assessment of the rear detailing inconsistencies with the overall theme). As we left in a Citroen 2CV, an as then unreleased Alfa GTV (Type 916) prototype was returning to the factory after a day of testing, jewel like quad headlamps piercing the fading light of dusk - this encounter after we'd just seen the new GTV & Spider show-cars a couple of weeks earlier at the Paris Motor-show reveal. My favourites; 1. 33 Stradale (obviously) 2. 8C - yes it's a retro design that derives heavily from the past so is perhaps less authentic because of that but it combines muscular, beautiful & modern with a classic simplicity of form & graphics (slightly fussy headlamps) 3. Alfetta GT - the earlier & less cluttered the better. These saloon based coupes captured more of the feel of an exotic junior supercar (think affordable Khamsin, Urracco, 308 GT4) in the 70's then any of it's contemporaries. Low wedge front, sweeping roofline to high tail & split rear lamps. Al Pacino driving one of these in the Alps as race driver "Bobby Deerfield" in the same named film beautifully captures the sporty elegance of these underrated cars.
Nice selection. Beautiful cars. As a carpenter, I can appreciate what is said about continuous flowing lines, keeping things simple and not breaking up sections if you do not need to. I suspect, Frank, as you may well do, that: the rear vent mesh on the Stradale was split into two sections on each side, in order to minimise potential for expensive damage during transport, practice and racing.
I drive a current Alfa Romeo Giulia and it’s best car I ever driven. Besides that it is drop dead gorgeous and receives more attention on the street than a Porsche, which is quite a thing for a 4-door limousine. So many great details make er much more beautiful than most other cars driving on the street.
What a great topic this one is, so difficult to choose man... My three favourite Alfa designs: 1.- Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale 2.- Alfa Romeo GT Bertone coupé (tipo 105). 3.- Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. Special mentions, Montreal, and SZ (crazy looking car, but I absolutely adore it).
Thank you for the Alfa Romeo episode! I own a 1966 Giulia Sprint GT Veloce, love it! A couple of more Alfas that i like: Alfa Romeo Disco Volante Spyder (shmee150 has a great video on this aswell as Clarkson) Alfa Romeo TZ2 (racecar very few made) Alfa Romeo Giulia SS (Sprint Speciale, Franco Scaglione) Keep up the great work, channel is truly a fantastic place for carnuts!
Před 3 lety+5
And the best looking car was just there, on your table in front of your laptop the whole time :)
I agree with all three and I think the New Giulia is probably the best looking modern car in it's class. I owned a new Giulia for four years and Everytime I looked at the front I fell in love.
A Video that I would be really interested in would be one where you give your own opinion on cars that are loved by most of the car enthusiasts. For example the Nissan Skyline, Toyota Supra etc.
Not really an Alfa devote, have to say I am more modern Alfa observer - the stunning looking Brera(although I read its not a great car),great looking classic Alfetta GTV and Alfa 64 for something edgy - Go Alfa .thanks for another excellent video Frank - really knocking it out the ball park . Cheers once again from Brisbane
For mass produced Alfas, 1. Alfetta GTV 2. Giulia Sprint GT tipo 105 3. Brera. For coach built /low production Alfas, 1. 1900 SS Zagato "double bubble"2. 2600 Sprint Zagato 3.8C Compitizione Alfa Romeo had so many stunning designs over the years it is difficult to calculate top three. I would mention the Disco Volante 52, Montreal, TZ and series 1 Spider as ageless and pinnacle of design.
3 Rare ones (so no Giulietta Spider, such a beauty) are, The 1938 "Duxia", the 1957 Giulietta SS "Low Nose" and then the 1954 "Sportiva". I have and do own 2 of the 3 you mention and have been lucky enough to have sat in and been offered a drive (which I could not do ) the third. Great choices all
Thanks so much for watching this episode. This week has been a great one for new subscribers so, if this is the first video you're watching since following, welcome and thank you! As always, I'd love to hear your three favourite designs from Alfa! Leave a comment below and I look forward to reading them.
Best,
Frank.
Love from india
Nice Video Again ! But there is not really something to add to your selection. The GTV is a timeless beauty, just imagine driving through the Bavarian Mountains without a Radio
Another amazing vid Frank!!
My favourite Alfa Romeo are Disco Volante, Tipo 33 Stradale, Giulia
The 33 Stradale gets right in, of course. For me the other 2 would be the Duetto Spider (for its wonderfully clean surfacing) and the Alfasud Sprint Veloce (because I owned one back in the day and it still makes the '70s wedge shape look beautiful). The trouble with these old Alfas is that they assault you through their looks, the way they move and the way they sound. You just don't stand a chance of not falling in love.
“What makes Alfa Romeos so desirable:
1. Highly emotive
2. Timeless looks
3. Cultural authenticity”
Words of a master. Thank you Frank! Love this series!
For me, the Alfa 159 is so underrated...look at it next to an Audi, Mercedes or Bmw from the same era: the Alfa will look as it went in production 10 years later of the others.
Yes
Yes.
Yes
The back end looks aaa little dated, but that front end... It was the best looking front end when it was first launched and has been every year since, and it will probably never stop being the best looking front end. It just doesn't age. It just looks universally good.
@@dawnkeyy yeah I can agree on the back, but still it isn’t that bad if you compare it to the other cars of that era. A true masterpiece. Unfortunately, talking about performance, it wasn’t as sporty as the Giulia and it didn’t get a quadrifoglio version...
3rd. Dad's car
2nd. Hot teacher's car
1st. Alfaromeo 33 stradale
Hey, Alfa Romano, two words, wise up!
🤣
my favorite middle school math and science teacher had a Lancia Fulvia coupé: I fell in love with both, in fact
Seeing Alfa Romeo carrying the signature grille through the years is very pleasing. Some manufacturers coughcoughbmwcoughcough should take it as an example and not cheap out on buckteeth.
I love the front of BMWs, muscularity and elegance combine in a OHMYFUCKINGGODWHATHAVEYOUDONETOTHEGRIL
to me it feels like bmw sold their soul to the chinese market and makes the west suffer by looking at that hideous new grille.
In general i don't like the trend of making enormous grilles, all you see these days are enormous grilles.I'm looking at you, Mazda, Lexus etc. Mazda's look like basking sharks nowadays
Hate to be this guy, but *Alpha* Romeo?
@@amanwholikescars thank you and shame on autocorrect.
Bmw has returned a bit more to their classic design with the new grills if they weren't that big ... In the past they had always vertical kidneys, only in the more modern era they changed them to horizontal which we are more familiar with ... So if the size wasn't that big it's literally more traditional than the recent designs
Frank, my father is a Sicilian immigrant who started a mechanics shop in the 70’s called Alfa auto clinic in Long Island New York and owned it until he retired a few years ago. Like yourself, the Alfa Romeo brand is engrained in my DNA through my family. My father has owned 2 out of your 3 picks (I’ll let you guess which one he couldn’t buy) and I’ve owned 3 Alfa 164’s. To this day we own a red 1969 GTV, a white 81’ spider and a 92’ red 164 sport. Excellent video and by far my favourite car CZcamsr.
😍😍😍👍👍👍
The only thing more emotional than driving an Alfa Romeo... is looking at one.
Very passionate cars
no matter what alfa romeo design is someone's favorite, you can't argue with them. they are all so beautiful.
Not the RZ/SZ.
@@ultraguy8771 even they have their charm. I like those 2 monsters
@@ultraguy8771 The SZ is definitely in my top 3, spectacular and unique design
Except for the Arna, that is a turd
@@wolfsburvviann It's just a Nissan with a triangle on the grill if I remember correctly so it don't count ;)
Everybody: car.
Frank Stephenson: automotive machinery.
You surely love and live your job! Great video again!
Bella macchina :v
When Frank Stephenson calls your favorite car "the most beautiful car ever designed" 🤸🤸
An 8c in the flesh is truly breathtaking, and you can see how the 33 was an inspiration.
it's a pity it's made exclusively for midgets
The editor deserve a raise ....
Really enjoyed the video
Pay rises all round at 200k subs! 😉
@@FrankStephensondesign already subscribed and put on the notify..😉
The Tipo 33 Stradale, the Brera, and the TZ2 resonate with me the most, but there are still plenty more that I love
I distinctly remember as a kid seeing a red Brera on the road for the first time, I don't know why it struck me so much, from that point on 7 years old me started asking a lot of questions about cars
The brera prototype was amazing
@@asganaway Yes. Pure art
I totally thought Frank will talk about them. The first 2 are lovely vars but Tipo 33 is god like
Even the more plebian Alfas like the 147 and 156 are still great looking more than 20 years after their introduction. The more I learn about design the more I appreciate about them.
For me the Alfa 156 is an amazing design for a four door practical modern car. That and the 2003/4 spider are beautiful.
156 is propably the first saloon with coupe-a-like look so this could be the first step to 4 door saloons which we know today from Mercedes or BMW. Also shame that they didnt released 156 Shooting Brake (see concept in google) which was 15 years ahead of its time.
I owned one of the Giugiaro facelift sportswagons. So fun to drive, but as they say here in Finland: "Owning an Alfa is a very expensive hobby or a full time job." That statement is true even for their more normal vehicles.
@@vabu94 I own 156 2.5 Busso and thoose cars are not cheap to maintain and need more attention and knowledge. If you drive a lot and do big mileage then there's many cheaper and more relaible cars. But joy from a drive makes up for everything.
@@vabu94 Yet here I am trying to get a 2.0 TS. The reason to me is not just the design, but it and the 155 really vindicated themselves (they weren’t appreciated by Alfisti at the time due to them being Front-Wheel Drive) by racking up Touring Car wins.
@@IgorRapczewski The 156 Sportwagon isn't a bad compromise. I had known of the sedan and admired it, but only found out about the sportwagon in recent years. After 3 E39s (I still have 2), I've acquired an 05 156 sportwagon manual in alfa red with tan interior. Fun to drive and one of the most beautiful wagons I've ever seen.
Maybe the Montreal could have deserved to be mentioned. It's such an underrated car.
nice, but not exactly top design
I personally think it’s the most beautiful car ever! You can’t have a negative opinion or remark over its style whereas you can get critical of these designs shown the Montreal is a superb piece of Italian flair European style and unexplainable Alfa magic!
What happened to the ah umm Alfa Romeo Spider (Original)
@@Mexxx65 It oxidised into a pile of unrecognisable orange/brown powder!😂
Agreed! I love the Montreal. And the fact that it wasn't sold in Montreal makes it even better.
This is the fastest I have ever clicked on a video! I love Alfa Romeo
My personal favorite is the new 4c
I do really like the newer Alfa Romeos. The Giulia is probably one of my favourites.
Just bought one, coupe 2018 brand new 0km.. shipped direct from italy to Dubai, it’s amazing
My first car was a 1969 ALFA spider (round tail) 1750 Spica injected that I bought new and kept for over 40 years...would still have it if I had the garage space. Now have a 2015 4C Launch Edition that I bought new....that is an amazing car. Many people don't get it as they expected a GT type car instead of a no nonsense drivers car. With just a few simple mods the 4C goes to the next level. I also had a 1967 GTV 1600cc that my buddy and I raced in SCCA racing in the US. Those GTVs were and are timeless cars. My favorite ALFAs.....T33s race cars, Stradelle of course, TZ1 and TZ2, GTAm of newer cars. The ultimate though are the classic ones of the 30s....those were works of art as shown by their value in the multi millions. I have driven real TZ1, GTA and GTAm all in race configuration....those are amazing cars handling is so good for cars that are that old...it is mesmerizing. Also drove a Montreal a few times....it was OK but not my cup of tea. ALFAs are just so much fun to drive and you look for any reason to take one for a drive. ALFA....Always Looking For Another!
Disco Volante, to me it speaks something special
I believe the Alfa 4c is modern classic. So short, yet proportional with pleasing contours. Now that it’s no longer available new, they are future collectible. An amazingly fun car to drive, look at and own.
Recently restored a GTV2000 Veloce with my uncle and that car is just amazing. Sounds good, is pretty fun to drive....and looks amazing.
It's also incredible how many people turn their heads and give you thumbs up when they see you.
People really seem to love the car, every age group (allthough especially the older generation).
My favorites:
- 4C (which no one seems to have mentioned)
- 33 Stradale
- Giulia GTAM
Honorable mention to: Montreal, GTV and Syder
Shoutout to Frank's english teacher! Must've been cool if she owned an Alfa.
3 top choices, although I prefer the earlier Giulia Sprint with the "Scalino" or Step Nose. I think it looks better.
Alfa's such a great brand, hope to see more of it on the channel. An interview with current or past Alfa designers would be amazing. As a 145 QV owner I'd love to hear Chris Bangle or De Silva on his Alfa days.
Ps: As a suggestion to the format, I'd add other honorable mentions apart from the "Top 3". Cars from that brand you find interesting design-wise or concept-wise but are not necessarily the most beautiful ever.
Thanks Mati, great suggestions! 👍
Great insight as always! As for my top pics I would choose:
- 8C 2900 B
- Giulia TZ2
- Brera
My late brother had an Alfasud ti in Benetton green, we drove with friends to Greece and back (from Brussels). My best car trip ever. The exterior look, the interior look, the sound of the boxer engine. A memory to cherish.
I really like to mention Disco Volante
As an honourable mention as it's my personal favourite
which one?
@@South4153 Disco Volante , remember?
@@encoreartz1028 there‘s an old and a new one?!?
@@South4153 I only Know the one reviewed on top gear by Clarkson.
That’s the new one, yes beautiful car
1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA, one of the most beautiful cars ever made
Alfa Romeo has been at least for me , the pinnacle of design. Absolutely stunning cars.
I really like 8C. 159 with 3 headlight was also great.
When I saw the video on my home page I wished it was about the Brera. Please, Please Frank, do it.
My favourite Alfas anyway
156
Brera
1750 GTV
My first car was a 1750 GT Veloce. Thank you for including it Frank.
Still in love with mine these many years later. Nothing else compares.
Mine are, like yours, a very personal story:
1) 164- not an obvious choice, but I saw one in an advert, and it awoke something in me that spawned a love of automotive design. I still have the advert today. I consider the 164 and the [Peugeot] 605 to be perfectly-styled sedans (though I give the #1 spot to the 164.)
2) The 916 generation Spider & GTV- the first time I went to Rome, these were everywhere, and I fell in love with the styling. Along with the 156, it reminds me of that trip. I love the sweeping cutlines to the rear breaklight, and consider the rear of the 916 GTV to be the best view of any car's rear.
3) the Gulia Berlina (1300) - I especially love the single headlamp version. I have a soft spot for 60s/70s European-sized 3-box sedans. Simple, clean, un-cluttered designs that do more with less and aren't trying too hard are immediately cool...it's textbook sprezzatura.
Not going to lie, I'm quite dissapointed that *NONE* of the TZs made the list. And, I'm rather surprised the 4c, 8c, Duetto Spider (early boat tail), Brera, and Disco Volante weren't on here as well. Nevertheless, great video! You could do a "best Alfa designs of each decade" video for the 50s through the 00s and still have plenty of content! Alfa is truly a powerhouse of emotional automotive design.
Alfa Romeo 33. When I was a teenager, somewhere in the mid eighties I saw that car parked in a small alley. I was so overwhelmed with this clean, black car. It had such a beautiful line and a peaceful presence. It was a first Alfa Romeo I saw in my life. I thought it was gorgeous 🥰.
My 1st car was an alfa..a 159 jts ti. Its truly changed my life, I had a crap job and I couldn't afford to keep it service + fuel..so I had to get a better job to afford it. The car also kick started my love for cars.
Yessir, they are notorious for their drinking habits
😂😂🙏🙏🇮🇹🇮🇹
My favourite 3:
- 33 stradale
- Giulia TZ2
- Brera: we had one in the family, pure art!
I was waiting for this video, ty Frank, Alfa is the best
I left my heart, a 1967 1600 Sprint GT in my hometown before immigrating to the United States thirty years ago. Tears now.
I’m an alfaholic and would love for you to do a critique episode for modern (90’s and up)Alfa Romeo’s. Like the GTV/Spider, the 164, the 159, the new Giulia. Or perhaps do separate 80’s, 90’s and 00’s episode?
That 1750 GTV shot driving at night Omg 😍, thank you Frank really enjoying your perspective .
Really enjoy your videos. I would love to see a similar episode on Lancia. I would love to hear what you have to say about the Fulvia coupe. Thanks and keep these coming!
100% agree on the 1750 GTV. I had a silver (similar to 5:08 except no green stripe) beautiful "driver" condition 1750 GTV in the mid 90's while in my late teens/early 20's. The prior owner had done a show quality paint job so it was absolutely stunning in morning/evening light. Zero rust as well, which was unusual for old cars in the area. Had to sell when my parents sold their house and I (as a college student) no longer had a place to store it in the winters. I'd love to get one again some day. Interesting side note, the mechanic that did some work on my car (Keith Goring's shop in CT) actually owned a 33 Stradale at the time. I got to see the car a few times in the workshop, a very fortunate experience - truly the most beautiful car of all time.
Thank you very much, it was a pleasure to watch. Big Alfa fan here, born in a 164 then 156 then finally 166...
The Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA. That owl face is even better looking than the GTV's four headlights.
and my 4C right? 😁 I was waiting for this episode like all my life 😁
I grew up getting blasted around in a GTV6 B200 Chaparral... ADORE the brand. As a designer, don't you love that they use a lower-case 'a' for alfa and a capital 'R' for Romeo, just to give the logo a lovely swooping and rounded script!?
I know I appreciate that irreverence!
Best channel on YT, Frank. Stay healthy mate. - UK
Great selection. As a kid I also grew up with Alfa Romeo, first two subsequent Alfettas, then the Alfa 6, then the 75 that unfortunately was the last one due to unreliable electronics. Back to Alfa when I bought my own 159 Q4 sportswagon. I love that brand, looking forward to returning to it.
To me, Alfas are small two-door GTs. In no particular order: 8C Competizione, Brera and GT Junior. SZ gets an honorable mention.
Tengo un 159 año 2007 Rosso y aun hoy sigue llamando la atención en las calles. Es toda una maquina.
Nice episode, Frank. I really enjoy your channel! My top Alfa Romeo designs would be:
1. Alfa Romeo 8C
2. Alfa Romeo 156 pre-facelift (best looking four door sedan ever)
3. Alfa Romeo 159 SW - Alfa Romeo's Sportwagons always looked great, and in the case of the 159 better than the sedan. It's a shame they didn't make a SW of the "new" Giulia. Perhaps you could make a design!?
I am an Alfa Romeo lover too and my favorite Alfas are those designed by Touring, particularly those 6Cs from the 50s and 60s, lovely cars!
Alfa Romeo: the brand that first got me interested in cars. My first car was a modern Giulietta. My second and current car is a BMW F36. Still feel connected to the brand. I might return some day.
@Tommaso Luce the Giulia actually misses quite a lot of things that I want. But it's really beautiful though. I'm looking into a diesel cruiser such as the new 5 or 7 series. From sportiness to comfort. I drive quite a bit actually (30k km's per year) and therefore start to value different things.
30k a year?? what are you doing if i may ask?
@@hazardeur haha well, I'm a professional photographer. Little surprised by your question, but a at least you are being respectful, unlike a lot of people in the comments in general.
@@EktorTsolodimos treat others like i want to be treated is my motto so it's a given for me to be as respectful as I can, thanks. 30k really is a lot. I once did about 10k in a year and thought i'm constantly on the road lol. You must really like your work and be in demand then I guess, which is great!
@@hazardeur great mentality! I do love my work indeed, which is something I wish everybody had. People are always like "It's not about work bla bla". Well, actually in many cases life is pretty much working all day. Then it beter be something you enjoy. I honestly feel like I don't have a job, even though I work easily 60 hours a week. I can highly recommend that. All the best to you!
I wish you made an exception and did a Top 5 Alfa's. Also please consider doing something like overview/history or top pics for Pininfarina, Giugiaro, etc. Great work as always!
When a was 3-4 years old i got in the back of a car for the first time, the first thing that hit me was the profume, it was an Alfa Romeo Giulia 4 doors of the 50's.
Finally. A thumbnail that doesn't spoil Frank's choices
Well there is the 33 stradale in the thumbnail, but honestly we all saw that coming from a mile away
Woooow Alfa is really EMOTIONAL 👌🔥. Well, Alfas have always looked nice and well designed For instance, most latest Alfas are good looking and even some call them sexy. Take for instance C4 and C8. Also the latest Giulietta QV and Giulia quadrofoglio. Great job alfa romeo 👏👍💪
The Alfa 156 estate must be the most perfect estate car design...?? Maybe you could show us your thought on estate car design in a future video, Frank??
For me it's the 159 SW Ti - possibly the most beautiful estate ever. The 156 is a better, more fun drive on the backroads though. 90s and 2000s Alfa's are the best designed cars comparative to the competition in their era. 916 GTV and SZ are standout, original designs with no equal among 90's 2 door hatches. 155, 156 and 159 were the best saloon designs in their time - and the only to really stand out, apart from possibly the e30 and some volvo designs. This was at a time when japanese design language dominated and all of the rest relied on retro elements with little innovation. The Brera was a standout concept that unfortunately was made into a portly coupe. The craziest thing about all these cars was that they were not exclusive models like the TZ2 or the Tipo 33, but attainable, afordable everyday cars, arguably with designs that demonstrated the same level of attention to detail as the 3 examples mentioned in the video. I do not know of another brand that has done this.
I had two Alfa Romeos in my life. A 33 from the late 90ies and a 164 Twin Spark. I loved both.
From the Design point of view, I love the 4c, the 8c and the Disco Volante. These three looks gorgeous.
Great choices! My picks would be:
1. 8C 2900B Lungo
2. Giulia 1600 Sprint Speciale
3. 8C Competizione
Also, the SZ will always have a special place in my heart!
@@Scede Interesting-- In the beginning I despised SZ, now I am confused. I agree strongly with your Top 3.
Anyone for a 1989 SZ? I love the crazy 80s Zagato styling. Big favourite from my childhood.
Would you ever consider in future videos design a modern-day version of a past car on the spot (also teach viewers how to approach it while respecting the DNA of the past design).
Thanks for uploading, I learn a lot from your videos about design and systems architecture.
Great suggestion Dool!
I knew before the video that GTV is gonna be on there. One of my favorite classic cars.
I love the Alfa Romeo Alfasud, the 8C Competizione and the Montreal. One day please make a video about weird cars like the Fiat Dino, the coupe designed by Bertone and the cabrio by Pininfarina. My father owned the cabrio in Madrid, Spain.
I was waiting for the 33 Stradale! That's my favorite car! I particularly like the 8C, as well, and am a bit surprised it wasn't mentioned. To me that car has the best proportions Ive ever seen and they are really shown off from the rear 3/4 view. Great video still, cheers
Frank, id love to see you redesign or "touch-up" the Alfa romeo 33 stradale, after these few critiques u had! Also possibly a modern take on it?
this, we need this
@@fredriksvard2603 u know they make brand new hand build jaguar e-type's that are a almost indistinguishable form the originals.
@@fredriksvard2603 cooler yes, but some day i may have 200.000 buks to spend on a car. but not millions for a origional.
and yes the 200K is a dream and please let me have this one dream.
@@fredriksvard2603 collectors and investors drive up the prices of originals to extreme levels, a modern copy will not become a collectors item.
@@fredriksvard2603 im afraid it is going to get much worse in the future.
wont be long til u can only get new cars that are electric.
ges wat the price for the "grandfathered" fuel cars is going to do.
petrol heads like me are going to drive the second hand market insane
A Frank stevenson video is what I look forward to everyday when my class is over.. very well done!!
I've given up driving but looking at the Giuletta and the 1750, I feel a pang. Don't know the last car but I've seen the first two and they are gorgeous, the Giuletta on the feminine side, the 1750, so distinctively, masculine and Italian. You have the eye, maestro.
It's a shame that Frank had to pick only 3. There are too many beautiful Alfas to limit the list to only 3. My own favorites are Montreal, TZ2 and 159
I fell in love with Alfa Romeo with the Brera since when I was really getting into cars it was their latest sporty coupé. I just love how that car looks. I’d really like to own one at some point.
I can't argue with your top 3 and there was only ever going to be one winner
! Honorable mention to the 8c Spider and the Alfasud Sprint.
My favourite is AR Carabo concept. In that sweet green it seems out of this world.
My fav. tree Alfa's are the 8C Spider, 4C Modified, and my top one is the Giulia Quadrifoglio ❤️ Lowered on KW's🔥
Hey Frank you give me so much Inspiration. Please keep up the great work.
I’m an Alfisto through and through. Whilst selecting my favourite Alfas I haven’t considered modern ones of which the 4 C gets my vote. The 105 series definitely gets my vote as every model of the 105 is great. Looks, styling, ride, handling and performance are important as is character in any car! Then the 2600 Sprint as it’s a mix of the the long straight six legacy of Alfa coupled with as modern a car as they could produce at the time. The Tipo 33 Stradale is undoubtedly the most brilliant offering in terms of design and wow factor Alfa has ever produced and is definitely in my top three!
Love your aesthtic passion for design Fred. Im an alphisti without the required budget - whilst a modest lil coupe I had 2 alphasud Sprints - one a 1980's black green cloverleaf - was riddled with rust but due to an advantageous insurance claim from a collision I blew the budget in getting the body restored - however the body shop rang said they never imagined how much rust a car could have and we had to put a ceiling on thwe budget. But I never looked back at a car when getting out of one as much as this lil pocket rocket. Was like a stealth fighter before they were even imagined ha
33 Stradale. Pure emotion. Greatest car design ever. Period. And I'm biased, I own a 147 GTA which is the greates hot hatch design ever. Did I mentioned I was biased?
147 crew 💪
Personally I think the Giulia Quadrifoglio deserves honorable mention, while there have been many good looking and handsome sedans, like the E34 5 series and the W204 C class, the Giulia QV is one of the only sedans ever built that is, to my eyes at least, genuinely beautiful.
The 33 Stradale was at the Alfa Romeo Museo outside of Milan when I visited on a weekday in late '94. We had the run of the museum to ourselves and ended up being able to sit in some of the race cars and really taking our time to look at everything in detail. I had my buddy photograph me with the 33 Stradale as it was by far, the most sensuously beautiful car in the display (although I agree with Frank's assessment of the rear detailing inconsistencies with the overall theme). As we left in a Citroen 2CV, an as then unreleased Alfa GTV (Type 916) prototype was returning to the factory after a day of testing, jewel like quad headlamps piercing the fading light of dusk - this encounter after we'd just seen the new GTV & Spider show-cars a couple of weeks earlier at the Paris Motor-show reveal.
My favourites;
1. 33 Stradale (obviously)
2. 8C - yes it's a retro design that derives heavily from the past so is perhaps less authentic because of that but it combines muscular, beautiful & modern with a classic simplicity of form & graphics (slightly fussy headlamps)
3. Alfetta GT - the earlier & less cluttered the better. These saloon based coupes captured more of the feel of an exotic junior supercar (think affordable Khamsin, Urracco, 308 GT4) in the 70's then any of it's contemporaries. Low wedge front, sweeping roofline to high tail & split rear lamps. Al Pacino driving one of these in the Alps as race driver "Bobby Deerfield" in the same named film beautifully captures the sporty elegance of these underrated cars.
Great video! Your insights are much appreciated. I'm eager to watch your analysis of the Stelvio and Giulia. Keep up the good work!
33 stradale and 8c are masterpiece
I would also fall in love with a teacher if she owned a classic Alfa Romeo
Nice selection. Beautiful cars. As a carpenter, I can appreciate what is said about continuous flowing lines, keeping things simple and not breaking up sections if you do not need to. I suspect, Frank, as you may well do, that: the rear vent mesh on the Stradale was split into two sections on each side, in order to minimise potential for expensive damage during transport, practice and racing.
I drive a current Alfa Romeo Giulia and it’s best car I ever driven. Besides that it is drop dead gorgeous and receives more attention on the street than a Porsche, which is quite a thing for a 4-door limousine. So many great details make er much more beautiful than most other cars driving on the street.
The 159 looks so modern almost 20 yrs after being presented.
The B. A. T. 7, for me, one of the most beautiful cars ever made - but I think, it should be a production modell...
Alfetta
Giulietta / 75
Brera.
What a great topic this one is, so difficult to choose man...
My three favourite Alfa designs:
1.- Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale
2.- Alfa Romeo GT Bertone coupé (tipo 105).
3.- Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione.
Special mentions, Montreal, and SZ (crazy looking car, but I absolutely adore it).
all 3 are classics... that shows that classic designs can never be beaten!
Thank you for the Alfa Romeo episode! I own a 1966 Giulia Sprint GT Veloce, love it!
A couple of more Alfas that i like:
Alfa Romeo Disco Volante Spyder (shmee150 has a great video on this aswell as Clarkson)
Alfa Romeo TZ2 (racecar very few made)
Alfa Romeo Giulia SS (Sprint Speciale, Franco Scaglione)
Keep up the great work, channel is truly a fantastic place for carnuts!
And the best looking car was just there, on your table in front of your laptop the whole time :)
I agree with all three and I think the New Giulia is probably the best looking modern car in it's class. I owned a new Giulia for four years and Everytime I looked at the front I fell in love.
One of my all time fav 8c competizione..😍😍😍
Mine are the 8C 2900 Lungo, c52 Disco Volante and Brera.
Mind you also add the Alfetta Gtv6 and the boat tail spider. There's too many!
A Video that I would be really interested in would be one where you give your own opinion on cars that are loved by most of the car enthusiasts. For example the Nissan Skyline, Toyota Supra etc.
Though loved by many, I wouldn’t say that JDM cars are loved by most
I'm certainly looking forward to the comeback of the GTV Coupe!
Not really an Alfa devote, have to say I am more modern Alfa observer - the stunning looking Brera(although I read its not a great car),great looking classic Alfetta GTV and Alfa 64 for something edgy - Go Alfa .thanks for another excellent video Frank - really knocking it out the ball park . Cheers once again from Brisbane
Can you talk about the new Mazda designs? I think they are amazingly beautiful.
I love the new grill shape it looks more aggressive especially on julia and stelvio models .. here are my best 3 alfas :
1- julia
2-8c
3- 33 stradle
For mass produced Alfas, 1. Alfetta GTV 2. Giulia Sprint GT tipo 105 3. Brera.
For coach built /low production Alfas, 1. 1900 SS Zagato "double bubble"2. 2600 Sprint Zagato 3.8C Compitizione
Alfa Romeo had so many stunning designs over the years it is difficult to calculate top three. I would mention the Disco Volante 52, Montreal, TZ and series 1 Spider as ageless and pinnacle of design.
how could you dislike this video? Its literally a qualified and proven mastermind giving you free life and career advice... people suck!
The Montreal, one of my favorites
I actually really like the Alfa Romeo MiTo. Something about it's simple design and smaller figure.
just scroling down thil some one mensiond the MITO.
i own a red QV and i love it
Hear, hear🙏🙏🇮🇹🇮🇹
MiTo benzina FIRE owner here!
Just. Beautiful.
3 Rare ones (so no Giulietta Spider, such a beauty) are, The 1938 "Duxia", the 1957 Giulietta SS "Low Nose" and then the 1954 "Sportiva".
I have and do own 2 of the 3 you mention and have been lucky enough to have sat in and been offered a drive (which I could not do ) the third. Great choices all