The story of Ghia – part 1
The beginning In tracing the genealogy of coachbuilding firms, it turns out that they originated in the early years of the last century as…
The Alfa Romeo Abarth 2000 Coupé one-off designed by Ghia.
The Alfa Romeo 2000 Abarth Coupé, also known as the Abarth-Alfa Romeo 2000 Coupé, is a stunning and rare collaboration between Abarth, Alfa Romeo, and Carrozzeria Ghia, brought to life in 1954. Designed by the renowned Italian automotive designer Giovanni Savonuzzi, the coupe was built on the foundation of the Alfa Romeo 1900 Super Sprint, showcasing a perfect blend of advanced engineering and avant-garde design. Unveiled by Virgilio Conrero, a respected Alfa Romeo tuner and collaborator, the car made its public debut at the 1954 Turin Motor Show, followed by an appearance at the Paris Motor Show. These high-profile exhibitions highlighted the car’s innovative design and technical excellence, marking it as one of the standout concepts of the era. At the heart of the Alfa Romeo 2000 Abarth Coupé lies a 1975cc four-cylinder engine, derived from the Alfa Romeo 1900. Featuring two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 8.5:1, the engine produces an impressive 135 horsepower (101 kW) at 6,600 rpm. This power, channeled through a four-speed manual transmission, allows the car to reach a remarkable top speed of 200 km/h (120 mph). Such performance was exceptional for a car of its class during the 1950s. The coupe employs a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, embodying a classic sports car configuration. Its lightweight construction, tipping the scales at just 890 kg (1,960 lb), significantly enhances its agility and performance. This low weight, paired with its aerodynamic design crafted by Ghia, emphasizes both speed and handling, making it a true driver’s car. Visually, the 2000 Abarth Coupé is an elegant expression of Savonuzzi’s design language, blending the dynamic proportions of a sports car with the sophistication of Italian coachbuilding. Its streamlined body reflects the advanced aerodynamics of the period, while details like its low profile and sculpted lines hint at its performance-focused nature. The Alfa Romeo 2000 Abarth Coupé remains a fascinating one-off concept that exemplifies mid-century automotive innovation, seamlessly combining Alfa Romeo’s engineering prowess, Abarth’s tuning expertise, and Ghia’s design artistry. It is a true masterpiece of collaboration and a symbol of Italian automotive excellence.
The beginning In tracing the genealogy of coachbuilding firms, it turns out that they originated in the early years of the last century as…
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