The story of Bertone: the most controversial coachbuilder ever
The beginning of Bertone Bertone was founded in November 1912, when Giovanni Bertone, then aged 28, opened a workshop specialising in the construction and…
Alfa Romeo 936 Bertone
The Alfa Romeo 936 Bertone: the 166 project.
Vehicle Overview
The unveiling of the Alfa Romeo 166 at the Paris Motor Show in 1998 marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Biscione brand. This flagship model represented an era of transition, bridging the legacy of the 164 with the challenges that lay ahead for the brand. The 166 was the result of a lengthy design and development process, with significant contributions from renowned coachbuilders like Pininfarina and Bertone, as well as Alfa Romeo’s own Style Center. The creation of the 166, known internally as project 936, was anything but straightforward. Initial design proposals, such as the 164 RT by Pininfarina, aimed to refresh the image of the previous 164, but this was not without difficulties. Bertone presented several variants that sparked heated debates and intense discussions, particularly regarding the choice of front end design. Proposals ranged from a more streamlined front with smaller, tapered lights to a bolder look inspired by the upcoming 156, designed by Walter de Silva. The final choice reflected not only aesthetic preferences but also market strategy. The delay in replacing the 164 with the 166 raised eyebrows and prompted speculation. According to some contemporary witnesses, the launch of the 166 was postponed to “make room” for the Lancia K, a model that ultimately failed to convince the public. The intention was to avoid unnecessary competition between two high-end models from different, yet related, brands. This strategy led to a wait that, while justified by the desire to consolidate the market, left many fans of the brand eagerly anticipating a new flagship. Ultimately, the 166 represented a significant leap forward for Alfa Romeo, with its distinctive design and performance capabilities. It captured the essence of the brand and met the demands of an increasingly discerning clientele, solidifying its place in Alfa Romeo’s storied history.
Technical Specifications
-
Body
-
Year1993
-
MakeAlfa Romeo
-
Model166
-
CoachbuilderBertone
-
Length (mm)N/A
-
Width (mm)N/A
-
Height (mm)N/A
-
Units built1
-
Engine TypeN/A
-
MakeN/A
-
ModelN/A
-
Cylinder CapacityN/A
-
Number Of DoorsN/A
-
Six Month RateN/A
-
Twelve Month RateN/A
-
Date Of First RegistrationN/A
-
Year Of ManufactureN/A
-
CO2 EmissionsN/A
-
Fuel TypeN/A
-
Tax StatusN/A
-
TransmissionN/A
-
ColourN/A
-
Type ApprovalN/A
-
Wheel PlanN/A
-
Revenue WeightN/A
-
Tax DetailsN/A
-
Mot DetailsN/A
-
TaxedN/A
-
motN/A
-
MakeN/A
-
Cylinder CapacityN/A
-
RegistrationN/A
-
Year Of ManufactureN/A
-
CO2 MissionsN/A
-
Fuel TypeN/A
-
Tax StatusN/A
-
ColourN/A
-
Type ApprovalN/A
-
Wheel PlanN/A
-
Revenue WeightN/A
-
DESIGNERN/A
Subscribe
Login
Please login to comment
0 Comments
Oldest
