Alfa Romeo Carabo
Overview
Production1968
DesignerMarcello Gandini at Bertone
Body and chassis
ClassConcept car
Body style2-door coupe
LayoutRMR layout
DoorsScissor
RelatedAlfa Romeo 33 Stradale
Alfa Romeo 33.2
Alfa Romeo Iguana
Alfa Romeo Navajo
Powertrain
Engine2.0 L (1995 cc) V8
TransmissionColotti 6-speed manual[1]
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,350 mm (92.5 in)
Length4,176 mm (164.4 in)
Width1,785 mm (70.3 in)
Height990 mm (39.0 in)
Curb weight1,000 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.

Carabo with doors open

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 of its day, including its wedge design and scissor doors.

The prototype was built on the chassis of an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale (chassis No. 750.33.109.), which features a mid-mounted 2.0 L V8 engine mated to a 6-speed Colotti manual transmission. The Carabo engine made 230 bhp (172 kW; 233 PS) at 8,800 rpm and 200 N⋅m (148 lbf⋅ft) of torque at 7,000 rpm. This allowed it to be able to reach a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).[1]

Rear side view of the Carabo at the Alfa Romeo Museum
Rear view of the Carabo at the Alfa Romeo Museum

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

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.
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