The Alfa Romeo 1900 C52 “Disco Volante”, commonly known simply as Alfa Romeo Disco Volante (Italian for “Flying Saucer”), is a series of experimental sports racing cars produced between 1952 and 1953 by Italian car manufacturer Alfa Romeo in collaboration with Milanese coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring.
The story of the flying saucer begins in 1952. Alfa development manager Orazio Satta Puliga and designer Carlo Chiti were commissioned to develop a racing car for the sports car class, using the Alfa Romeo 1900 as the basis for the new car. Together with Carrozzeria Touring they created one of the most exciting and wildest models in the history of the Italian brand.
The first version of the Alfa Romeo Disco Volante had an open roadster body. The drag coefficient of 0.30 is just a number, but the flat body that sits practically on top of the car and partially covers the wheels and tyres speaks for itself. Even in cross winds or when accelerating sideways, the Disco Volante has an exceptionally good drag coefficient.
The first Disco Volante had a modified 2-litre four-cylinder engine under the bonnet, which generated 116 kW / 158bhp. Just three 2-litre open-top examples were initially built, one of which was converted into a coupé with a fixed roof in 1953. With the other, the Alfa engineers modified the bodywork to give it “slim hips”. The Italian name “fianchi stretti” is still used today for this variant.
Two more Alfa Romeo Disco Volante were built in 1953, but this time the 3.5-litre in-line six-cylinder from the Alfa 6C was implanted.
Here below is a set of beautiful photos of the Alfa Romeo 1900 C52 “Disco Volante”.
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