Nicola Romeo

Italian entrepreneur and businessman Nicola Romeo is recognized for his several miscellaneous businesses and start-ups. Well, Alfa Romeo Automobiles is one of those companies. The same firm whose models are well-known for challenging in several car races including Grand Prix motor racing. In fact, it has a huge success in Motorsports since its beginning. In 1915, the firm handover to Nicola Romeo and after that Alfa Romeo witnessed the next level of success. 

Nicola Romeo – Mastermind behind Alfa Romeo Automobiles success

He is one of the finest businessmen to remember who share great contribution in shaping the automobile industry. Rather than this, he owned many other companies. Includes, CEMSA, Nicola Romeo Co, etc. As well, he was a senator in the 18th Legislature of the Kingdom of Italy. Let’s have a look at the life journey of N. Romeo, a person who marked the beginning of Italy’s leading company.

Personal Life

He was born on 28 April 1876 in Magreglio. Romeo married to Portugal based pianist and Opera singer, Angelina Valadin in 1905. Maurizio, Edoardo, Piera, Elena, Nicholas, Giulietta, and Irene are their children.

Education and Early business

Nicola attended Politecnico di Napoli for studying engineering. Presently, the same college is known as Universita Degli Studi di Napoli Federico II. After working for some time, he earned another degree in electrical engineering in Belgium. Thereafter, he returned his homeland and tried luck in entrepreneurship. Romeo started a firm related to the mining industry called Ing. Nicola Romeo e Co. The firm is specially manufactured pieces of machinery and devices needed for the mining industry. 

Acquisition of Alfa Romeo Automobiles

The first start-up of Nicola showed him great success in a short period. After that, he never looked back and focused on expanding his business further. In the end, he acquired a car manufacturing firm “A.L.F.A.” in 1915. It was Milan based automobile firm that later on renamed as ALFA Romeo. Apparently, he renamed the firm by attaching his last name. 

The backstory of foundation

It is an Italian car manufacturing firm established at the beginning of the 20th century. Alexandre Darracq, a Frenchman set up the firm with a simple car manufacturing unit. Later on, the firm started designing new cars. On 24th June 1910, this firm is merged in Milan based automobile firm and then rises with a new name called A.L.F.A. (Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili). Since then, the firm started sports car manufacturing and later on involved in car racing. After that, when Nicola acquired the firm, it re-named as Alfa Romeo. 

The firm under N. Romeo’s direction

In 1921, the firm manufactured the first sports car with the unique Alfa Romeo badge on it. Specifically, the badge was “1921 Torpedo 20/30 HP”. After that, Alfa Romeo became a reputed name in the automobile industry. Several years firm deliver the best models that were elegant as well, safe. The year 1927, unfortunately, turned out as a black year for the firm. In fact, the firm was very near to bankruptcy. Because the firm wasn’t got any good investors for a long time. After that, Nicola had to deceased from the firm due to members of the boards. 

Later life

In the 18th Legislature of the Kingdom of Italy, Nicola served as a senator. However, he died at the age of 62 in 1938. His contribution to the automobile industry especially in race car manufacturing is admirable. As well, Naples, the third-largest city in Italy dedicated a street to his memories known as Via Nicola Romeo. 

Company’s Later Successes

Since the beginning, the firm is well-known for its unique Iconic car designs. Later on, many other designs got famous counting 1955 Giulietta Spider which was the first mass-produced car of the firm. Thereafter, another model Giulietta SZ became hit. It also won 1.3-liter class FIA Sports Car Championships for two years. Alfa Romeo Carabo is also one of the iconic designs of the firm. Apart from unique designs, the firm is well-known for its legendary racing team. Considering the need for race cars, the firm not only focused on innovation but also delivered innovative models. In 1931, the Alfa Romeo’s innovative model 8C 2300 won Italy’s first prize at Le Mans. Moreover, the successes continued and in 1950, Alfa Romeo’s first win at Formula-1 World Championship. The firm that started in the early 20th century remains famous among the buyers for decades. Five years ago, the firm unveiled its new badge that matches the new era’s requirements