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The Birth of Alfa Romeo

The Alfa Romeo company was founded in 1906 by Società Anonima Italiana Darracq (SAID) from the French automobile company Alexandre Darracq, with some Italian investors. One of them, Cavaliere Ugo Stella, an aristocrat from Milan, became chairman of SAID in 1909. By the end of 1909 the Italian Darracq cars were selling poorly and Stella, with the other Italian co-investors, founded a new company under the name A.L.F.A. (Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili), initially still in partnership with Darracq.

In August 1915, the company came under the management of Neapolitan entrepreneur Nicola Romeo, who converted the factory to produce military hardware for the Italian and Allied war efforts. Ammunition, aircraft engines and other components, compressors and generators based on the company's existing car engines were produced in a vast factory during the war. After the war Romeo invested these war profits in acquiring locomotive and railway wagon factories in Saronno (Costruzioni Meccaniche di Saronno), Rome (Officine Meccaniche di Roma) and Naples (Officine Ferroviarie Meridionali), which were added to its A.L.F.A. property.

Car production was at first not considered, but was resumed in 1919, because there were still many parts for 105 cars which had been at the A.L.F.A. fabrieb since 1915. In 1920, the company's name was changed to Alfa Romeo, with the Torpedo 20-30 HP being the first car to bear the Alfa Romeo emblem.

Alfa Romeo database

The overviews below contain many useful service intervals and tips on the most recent Alfa Romeo models. The intervals and guidelines are only an indication, circumstances can occur that cause a garage to give a different advice.

When to replace the Alfa Romeo timing belt

The timing belt or chain is essential for (almost) any combustion engine, without it there can be no combustion. This is because the timing belt ensures that the camshaft, the crankshaft and the valves are driven by means of this belt or chain. Almost all Alfa Romeo's have a timing belt which has to be replaced periodically. Below per model the intervals are listed:

• Alfa Romeo Mito
• Alfa Romeo 147
• Alfa Romeo 156
• Alfa Romeo 166
• Alfa Romeo 159
• Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Tyre pressure Alfa Romeo

You should check your Alfa's tyre pressure monthly so you can enjoy optimal performance. In addition, incorrect tyre pressure can cause high fuel consumption and the tyres can wear out faster or irregularly. On the following pages you will find an overview of tyre pressures for your Alfa Romeo:

• 147
• 156
• 156 Sport Wagon
• 159
• 159 Sport Wagon
• 166
• 8 C
• Brera
• GT
• GTV Coupé
• Giulietta
• MiTo
• Spider

Lamps for Alfa

Want to replace the bulbs on your Alfa but don't know what type of car bulb you need? On this Alfa Romeo car bulbs page, we have collected a list containing all lamps.

Alfa Romeo bulbs overview

Which Alfa Romeo engine oil

Changing engine oil on time is crucial for the condition of your engine. It is also important to know which motor oil you need. In the overview below, you can navigate to the right model. The overviews show both the type of oil and the quantity required.

• Engine oil Alfa Romeo Mito
• Engine oil Alfa Romeo 147
• Engine oil Alfa Romeo 156
• Engine oil Alfa Romeo 159