The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
Three years after unveiling their Alfetta Spider prototype built using the chassis and drive-train of the Alfetta berlina, Pininfarina presented a new Alfa-based styling exercise.
The Alfa Romeo Eagle, based on the Alfetta GT platform, represented a bold experiment in open car design aimed at showcasing advanced passive safety features. Unlike the Alfetta Spider, the Eagle featured a targa top configuration, providing a compromise between the open-air experience and structural integrity. Designed by Aldo Brovarone for Pininfarina, the Eagle’s wedge-shaped body drew inspiration from contemporary sports prototypes, particularly the Alfa Romeo 33/TT/12. One of its distinctive features was the rearward-inclined roll-over bar, emphasizing both safety and aerodynamic efficiency. The interior departed significantly from Alfa Romeo’s usual style, featuring soft matte plastic finishes on the dashboard, a unique mono-spoke steering wheel, and fully digital instrumentation. Powering the Eagle was a 91.0 kW (122 hp) 4-cylinder Twin Cam engine, tuned to the standard GT specification. Weighing just 1,000 kg (2,204.6 lb), the Eagle boasted impressive performance with a top speed of 198 km/h (123.0 mph) and notably improved fuel efficiency compared to its donor model. Despite its promising design and capabilities, reminiscent of Pininfarina’s earlier Spider proposal, the Alfa Romeo Eagle never entered production. Alfa Romeo’s decision-makers instead opted to revitalize the styling of the Duetto, steering away from the Eagle’s innovative approach. The Eagle remains a significant piece of automotive design history, illustrating Alfa Romeo‘s exploration of safety and aerodynamic efficiency in a convertible format during that era. Its legacy lives on in the influence it exerted on subsequent automotive designs, particularly in the realm of open-top sports cars.
The story of Pininfarina and Alfa Romeo is one of mutual admiration and a shared passion for innovation in automotive design that spans nearly eighty years. This remarkable partnership, which began in the early 1930s, reflects a continuous journey of creativity, prestige, and performance that has defined both brands.
Discover the fascinating journey of Pininfarina, a name synonymous with luxury automotive design and innovation. From its inception in 1930 to its status as a leader in the industry, this article explores the milestones, iconic vehicles, and visionary designers who shaped the brand’s legacy. Delve into the evolution of Pininfarina, highlighting notable achievements such as the Ferrari 550 Barchetta, the Cambiano concept, and the introduction of Automobili Pininfarina. Join us as we celebrate the artistry and engineering excellence that has defined Pininfarina through the decades.
