Distinguishing features

The first shield dates back to the period between 1910 and 1915. The name A.L.F.A., an acronym for Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili appeared from the earliest days flanked by the heraldic symbols of the house of Visconti inside a circular shape. The circle divided into two parts contains a red cross on a white background in the left side while the right side contains the serpent-dragon of the Visconti family devouring an enemy. The words Alfa and Milano were separated by two Savoy knots that the badge incorporated until the fall of the monarchy in Italy.

Changes

The original Alfa Romeo shield underwent its first change in 1915 when the engineer Nicola Romeo took over the company and his surname was added to the badge: this was the reason for substituting the wording “Alfa Romeo”.
In the meantime, winning the first world title with the P2 led to another addition to the badge: a laurel crown in silver metal around the entire circumference.
The austerity of the immediate post-war period, together with the destruction of the original mould following the bombings, led to a simplified, single-coloured badge. With the proclamation of the Italian Republic, the two Savoy knots disappeared from the circular shield, replaced by wavy lines. In the 1950s, the badge was restored to its previous coloured glory, while in 1972 a decision was made to remove the word Milano from the badge following the opening of the Alfa Sud plant near Naples.

Last restylings

The last restyling dates back to the 1980s, when the badge increased in diameter and the olive crown disappeared.
For Alfa aficionados throughout the world, the Alfa Romeo badge has always been a marriage of passion and sportiness; a symbol of true and genuine values, a never-ending love affair.