Alfa Romeo Carabo

Alfa Romeo Carabo
Overview
Production 1968
Designer Marcello Gandini for Bertone
Body and chassis
Class Concept car
Body style coupe
Platform RMR layout
Related Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale
Alfa Romeo 33.2
Alfa Romeo Iguana
Alfa Romeo Navajo
Powertrain
Engine 1995 cc V8
Transmission Colotti 6-speed manual[1]
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,350 mm (92.5 in)
Length 4,176 mm (164.4 in)
Width 1,785 mm (70.3 in)
Height 990 mm (39.0 in)
Curb weight 1,000 kg (2,205 lb)

The Alfa Romeo Carabo is a concept car first shown at the 1968 Paris Motor Show.[1] It was designed by Marcello Gandini, working for the Bertone design studio.[2] The Carabo name is derived from the Carabidae beetles, as evoked by the car's iridescent green and orange coloring.

The wedge design came into fashion in the late 1960s. The Carabo is often considered the winner of the 'Wedge War' award of 1968 and as the direct predecessor of the Lamborghini Countach and having heavily influenced many car designs to follow well into the next decade. It was never intended for production but was fully functional and showcased features never expressed in any other car design in its day.

The prototype was built on the chassis of the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, a mid-engined V8. The Carabo engine made 230 bhp (172 kW; 233 PS) at 8800 rpm, which made it possible to achieve a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).[1]

The scissor doors later appeared on the Countach, which was also designed by Gandini.

A replica, built on a De Tomaso Pantera platform, was built by Sam Foose (father of Chip Foose) after he was unable to buy the concept from Bertone.[3] The Fiberfab Aztec was a kit car model based on the Carabo.[4]

In media

Marvel Comics' Nick Fury makes a quick getaway from some Las Vegas thugs in his red "Carabo" in Marvel Spotlight Vol.1, issue 31 (dated December 1976) titled "Assignment: the Infinity Formula".

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Alfa Romeo Carabo Concept". ultimatecarpage.com. Retrieved 2009-07-05.
  2. ↑ "The Stars & Cars of Bertone". Road & Track: 78. November 2014.
  3. ↑ "Foose Made Alfa Romeo Carabo Replica". carscoop.blogspot.com.
  4. ↑ "Rare Kit Car Sighting: Fiberfab Aztec 7". thesmokingtire.com.
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Type 1950s 1960s 1970s
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Small family car Dauphine Alfasud
Compact executive car Giulietta (750/101)
Giulia Giulietta (116)
Executive car 1750 Berlina Alfetta
2000 Berlina Alfetta 2000
1900 2000 2600 Alfa 6
Coupé Giulietta Sprint GT Junior Alfasud Sprint
Giulia Sprint GT/GT Veloce Alfetta GT and GTV
1900 Sprint 2000 Sprint 2600 Sprint
Cabriolet 1900 L Giulia GTC
Spider Giulietta Spider Spider
2000 Spider 2600 Spider
Roadster Gran Sport Quattroruote
Sports car 6C 2500 Montreal
33 Stradale
Racing car TZ GTA
158/159 Tipo 33 177/
179
Off-road Matta
LCV Romeo Romeo 2 Romeo 3 F11/F12/A11/A12
AR8
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