What Makes Italian Cars so Special?

When you consider the list of cars made in Italy there is no mystery in their popularity. Italy is responsible for cars from the epitome of grace and style to basic no-frills vehicles that simply do their job. Perhaps it is because the Italians understand that a car is at times an extension of ourselves, or the symbol of who we would like to be, and sometimes it's just a means of getting from one place to another. According to italianlegacy.com, six of the top auto manufacturers in the world are from Italy, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Fiat, Lamborghini, Lancia and Maserati.

Alfa Romeo Automobiles, a top name in Italian car design and manufacturing, was founded in June of 1910 by Alfa Romeo. From the beginning the company dealt heavily in the design and production of race cars producing their first race car in 1913. They produced the car that won the Grand Prix in 1925. In 1941 they began mass producing cars. During the 1960s and 1970s Alpha Romeo Automobiles produced sports cars. The company was sold to the Fiat group in 1986. The Spider, designed by Romeo, holds a place of prestige in the hearts of fans. The Spider was produced from 1966-1993.

Fiat was founded in 1899, the company was successful and 25 years later they were top in the Italian car market. Fiat grew in popularity across Europe where it won the European Car of the Year Award twelve different years. Fiat designed the Fiat 500 and the Fiat Panda both practical and popular. The Fiat 500 was Italy's most popular postwar common man's car, it was produced from 1957-1975. The European Car of the Year Award winning Fiat Panda debuted in 1980, was redesigned in 2003 and continues to be produced today.

Ferrari was founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1929. In the beginning, the company was the racing team of Alpha Romeo and went by the name Scuderia Ferrari. The group designed, manufactured race cars and sponsored drivers. Ferrari entered the real of road cars in 1947 as a means to support it's racing endeavors. Fiat bought 50% of the Ferrari company in 1969. Ferrari has three very popular models the Ferrari Enzo, Ferrari 250 GTO, and the Ferrari 308.

Lamborghini was founded by farm equipment magnate Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1963. Beginning in 1955 he indulged his passion for fine cars by buying models from the Maserati, Lancia, Ferrari, and Romeo lines Lamborghini began working with top designers to build the perfect sports car the culmination of their work, the Lamborghini 350 GTV was introduced in the companies first year 1963. Two popular Lamborghini models were the Lamborghini Murcielago and the Lamborghini Countach.

The Lancia company was established in 1906 by racers Vincenzo Lancia and Claudio Fogolin. Lancia is known for being top in innovations among Italian car manufacturers. Lancia always adhered to strict ideals and standards which produced fantastic cars, but was not cost effective. Lancia was bought-out by Fiat in 1969. One of their most popular models is a hatchback rally car, the Lancia Stratos.

Maserati was founded by the Maserati brothers in 1914. In the beginning they produced Grad Prix cars. Maserati was sold to Fiat in 1993 and then sold to Ferrari, who is still owned by Fiat. The Maserati Bora is a popular model among fans.