Alfa Romeo Alfetta 1.8
The Alfetta rearranged a practical four-door saloon around a rear gearbox, inboard rear brakes and De Dion axle to chase balanced handling.
Arese Museo Storico Alfa Romeo 1972 Alfetta 2.jpg · Zairon · CC BY-SA 4.0
More than a set of wheels.
Alfa Romeo began the type 116 project in 1967 and presented the production Alfetta in May 1972. Juan Manuel Fangio attended the launch, linking the new saloon's name to the 1951 world-championship 159 “Alfetta.” The road car's engineering connection was more than a name: its rear De Dion axle and rear-mounted clutch, gearbox and differential concentrated heavy driveline components between the axles. The launch model paired that layout with Alfa's 1,779 cc twin-cam four and remained the sole engine until the range expanded.
Look a little closer.
Five-time Formula One champion Juan Manuel Fangio helped present the road-going Alfetta, whose name recalled the 159 in which he won the 1951 world championship.
Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.
The gearbox moved to solve a balance problem
A conventional front-engine saloon also carries its clutch and gearbox near the nose. Alfetta engineers instead grouped the clutch, five-speed gearbox and differential at the rear. This transaxle layout shifted mass rearward and made room for a sophisticated De Dion suspension, giving a family-sized body the balance expected of a sporting Alfa.
Source: Stellantis Heritage · Heritage at Padua 2022 ↗A racing nickname became a saloon badge
“Alfetta” means little Alfa and had been the affectionate name for the 158/159 Grand Prix cars. Reusing it in 1972 deliberately connected a modern mass-produced saloon to Alfa's first Formula One titles. Fangio's presence at the launch made that bridge visible rather than leaving it as a marketing footnote.
Source: Museo Alfa Romeo · Milan AutoClassica 2016 ↗Where these facts come from
- Museo Alfa Romeo · Alfetta collection record
- Stellantis Heritage · Heritage at Padua 2022
- Museo Alfa Romeo · Milan AutoClassica 2016
Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed October 1, 2026.