Alfa Romeo celebrates anniversary in partnership with… police
75 years of cooperation between Alfa Romeo and Carabinieri
This year’s sporting meet, which stems from one of the Carabinieri’s most complex alpine exercises, grew into more than just an internal showdown. In addition to competitions for members of the armed forces, the program was expressly open to the public. Thus, the event provided a fitting backdrop for the start of the celebration of 75 years of cooperation between Alfa Romeo and the Carabinieri.
World War II
That connection goes back to the period after World War II. In 1951, the Carabinieri commissioned the Alfa Romeo 1900 M ‘Matta,’ a rugged off-road vehicle suitable for tough conditions. This was followed in the 1960s by the Alfa Romeo Giulia, which served between 1963 and 1968 and laid the foundation for the iconic ‘Gazzella’: the mobile radio patrol that symbolized rapid deployment in emergencies. Since then, Alfa Romeo remained a fixture within the Carabinieri’s fleet, with models such as the Alfetta, 75, 155, 156, 159, Giulietta, Giulia and most recently the Tonale.
Alfa Romeo Museum
Part of this history has now been tangibly recorded at the Alfa Romeo Museum in Arese. There, on the occasion of the brand’s 110th anniversary in 2020, the “Alfa Romeo in Uniform” exhibition was opened in collaboration with the Carabinieri. The vehicles on display show how technology, design and public service have gone hand in hand for decades.
Dedication, courage and Italian craftsmanship
According to Alfa Romeo chief Santo Ficili, the anniversary is about more than vehicles. According to him, the collaboration reflects shared values of dedication, courage and Italian craftsmanship. For the Carabinieri, that relationship is at least as functional. General Commander Salvatore Luongo emphasizes that Alfa Romeo’s role goes beyond symbolism: the vehicles enhance operational strength and provide a reliable, visible presence in everyday police work.
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
During the Arma 1814 Ski Challenge, that connection also became literally visible. Among other things, visitors could take a closer look at an Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio in official Carabinieri trim. This model, recently delivered to the force, is equipped for specific tasks such as the fast and safe transport of organs and blood for medical emergencies. This gives sporting technology a very concrete social function.
2.9-liter V6
Within Alfa Romeo, the Giulia Quadrifoglio is considered the epitome of the brand DNA: performance, technical innovation and driving experience. With a 2.9-liter V6 with 382 kW (520 hp), low weight and extensive use of carbon fiber, it is a car that does not hide its roots in motorsport. At the same time, its deployment with the Carabinieri shows that that performance is also relevant outside the race track, for example in emergency medical missions.
