Alfa Romeo 2

Saturday 26 September 2009
The Romeo Autotutto was introduced to the public at the 1954 Turin Motor Show as a panel van and minibus, bearing more than a passing resemblance to the VW Transporter which had already been in production for several years. But there were some marked differences. The Romeo had rear-hinged "suicide" front doors whereas the VW had front hinged doors. The Romeo windscreen was curved and one-piece, while the VW has a V screen of 2 flat glasses. The Romeo had a full height rear loading door, the VW having a top hinged half-door above the engine compartment. However under the skin all was different, although just as radical as the VW. Engines were either an 1290cc petrol or an 1160cc diesel, but of course, being Alfa Romeo, these were not just ordinary engines... The petrol engine was the new 750 series twin cam destined to power the Giulietta, while the diesel was an 1160cc two stroke twin cylinder with a Roots type supercharger produced under licence from Lizt.

Technical data:
- engine: 2 cylinders
- capacity: 1160 cc
- horsepower: 35 HP
- gearbox: 4+1
- top speed: 85 km/h