Heritage Commercials Magazine - capturing the spirit of vintage days

Comment - May 2010

I’m well into historic motor racing, whether it be on two wheels or four, and so I try to get every year – work permitting. If your interests extend to historic racing machinery, I can’t recommend it enough.
 
Anyway, each year, among all the Jaguars, BRMs and Nortons, there are usually a smattering of classic commercials on display, used as transporters, service vehicles etc, and this year was no exception. The one that really caught my eye this time was a little Italian Alfa Romeo A12 which unfortunately was tucked into a dark corner – hence the less than perfect photo. However, I’ve never seen one before and it’s such a rarity I had to put it in the magazine!
 
Alfa Romeo can trace their roots back to 1910 when the ALFA company was formed, which stood for Anonima Lombardo Fabbrica Automobili, which translates as the Lombardy Car Manufacturing Company. Their first car appeared later that year. In 1915, ALFA was purchased by industrialist Nicola Romeo and the firm ended up producing all manner of military and mining products until the end of the war. In early 1918, the company was renamed SA Italiana Ing Nicola Romeo e Cia and when car production resumed after the war, each vehicle carried the name Alfa Romeo. The company themselves became Alfa Romeo in 1930.
 
Despite being best known for sports cars, Alfa Romeo have a long history of producing commercials. This includes working with the German Büssing company in the 1930s and the French Saviem concern in the 1960s and 70s.
 
The A12 range was made from 1967 until 1983, and it is interesting to note that a Perkins diesel engine was offered as an option from 1973. The one above was made in 1972 and is fitted with the 52hp 1290cc twin-cam petrol engine from the Guilia car of the same period, although the gearbox and front-wheel drive set-up is unique to the A12 model. The vehicle features front disc brakes and the car-carrying bodywork was manufactured by Scattolini of Verona. This vehicle is one of only two A12s in the UK and is one of approximately 20 known to have survived worldwide. And, as per usual with anything different, I want one!