When it comes to spark plugs, are two really better than one? Well, in the case of Alfa Romeo’s Twin Spark engines that is definitely the case. We take a look back at the various double-ignition systems peppered throughout Alfa’s history; from pre-war grand prix cars, to the divine GTA and with diversions across to the 8v and 16v units found in so many roadcars since the late 1980s.
As purveyors of rare, oddball or downright quirky Italian cars, we have to admit to being suckers for a “Special” or “Limited Edition”. If there’s some sort of numbered plaque plastered onto the dashboard or they’ve painted the wheels a different colour as a tenuous tie-in to an obscure brand of coffee machine, we’ll want to own it. Read on as we count down five of our favourite Italian oddities from over the years.
The barely pent-up aggression of the Lancia Rally 037, dispersing a rooster tail of gravel and mud en route to winning the WRC title. A Morgan Plus-4, the sports-car as quintessentially British as a summer’s afternoon spent watching the cricket. Plus the FSO Polonez, dutifully serving Poland with its no-nonsense utilitarian hatchbacks, pick-ups and ambulances for nearly a quarter of a century. What common theme unites this most eclectic range of vehicles?
At one time or another, the same engine has turned each of their widely varied wheels; the legendary Fiat twin-cam. Now widely referred to as the “Lampredi” twin-cam after its pioneering creator, this forward-thinking, revolutionary design drove (quite literally) Fiat’s considerable fortunes for over 30 years.
As Italian car enthusiasts, we are blessed with no shortage of incredible engines to wax lyrical about. Aurelio Lampredi’s Fiat twin-cam engine remains the most successful power unit in rallying history with 10 WRC world titles under its belt. Lancia’s ingenious ingegneri actually conjured up the world’s first V6 engine way back in 1950 for the Aurelia, and their peerless back catalogue is stuffed full of similar innovations. But, the engine that awakens most Italophile car passions has to be, undoubtedly, the iconic Alfa Romeo V6.
