Books
Patrick Dasse and publisher Dingwort Verlag have produced a unique account of Alfa Romeo history in this remarkable six-book set of more than 1700 photographs from the 1960s and early ’70s, many of which have never been published before; all six are available online (visit https://dingwort-verlag. de/en/alfa-romeo/). Beautifully designed and produced, the series features a fantastic selection of contemporary imagery, sourced from both the factory archives and Quattroruote magazine, that presents an wonderfully vivid record.
As well as an in-depth focus on the Tipo 105 range, with separate volumes on Berlina, GT, Spider, Zagato and Montreal, the set includes a general look at the factory (Arese: ISBN 978 3 87166 163 1, €89). Not since Robert Doisneau’s homage to work at the Renault plant has such a rich range of photographs illustrated production life. From the foundry and forge at Portello through to crash testing at Balocco, the 384-page Arese study celebrates an age before robots took over.
As well as absorbing images of assembly lines, the book also highlights the dedicated workforce at every stage of the build. Even the Ricambi spares distribution is showcased, with amazing shots of fresh parts that will make Alfa specialists drool. Second only to time travel, these inspired books offer a unique window into one of the greatest eras of the marque.
The set features six volumes including Giulia on the saloon variants (ISBN 978 3 87166 166 2, €119), Spider highlighting both Duetto and ‘Kamm tail’ models from 1966 to 1977 (ISBN 978 3 87166 126 6, €79), and the Giulia GT book that includes all of the Bertone-bodied beauties, the GTA among them (ISBN 978 3 87166 156 3, €119). There’s also a Junior Z volume on the 1970-’75 Zagato-bodied cars, such as the Tipo 115 (ISBN 978 3 87166 196 9, €59), plus there’s one on the 1971-’77
Montreal (ISBN 978 3 87166 157 0, €69).
The books vary in length, combining both monochrome and colour archive photos with German and English text. Each offers key reference for restorers, with a fine selection of detail studies of engines and interiors, but this is no dull anorak’s guide. Complementing the car imagery are glorious motor-show scenes, prototype testing, press launches and promotional events. For example, the Spider volume includes rarely seen shots from the May ’66 launch of the Duetto on the Italian liner
SS Raffaello, where three cars were unveiled and driven around the deck en route to New York. Other fascinating features include the spectacular Montreal Group 4 racer that was developed by Autodelta and campaigned unsuccessfully by German dealer Dieter Gleich.
A fantastic publishing achievement and a real must-have for all passionate Alfisti. MW
‘A remarkable six-book set of 1700-plus photographs, many of which have never been published before’