Italian cars are considered to be some of the most stylish and authoritative cars available nowadays. The Italians gain a enduring legend of developing and producing attractive automobiles also as racing champions. From Lamborghini to Fiat to Alfa Romeo, Italian cars have been at the intellect of the pack in many respects for decades.

Early Companies (circa 1900)

Early Italian automotive companies circa 1900 included Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Aquila Italiana, Bianchi and Brixia-Zust. Of these early companies, only Fiat and Alfa Romeo still produce cars. Bianchi now produces bicycles after only a brief foray into the automotive industry before the end of World War II. Both Aquila and Brixia-Zust were only in production for a handful of years. Aquila produced automobiles from 1909-1917, and made somewhere around 1,500 cars during that period. Aquila was then absorbed by SPA, another defunct Italian auto company that went belly up in 1947.

Top Italian Car Companies

Some of the most respected Italian car manufacturers today include Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Lancia, and Maserati, all of which are owned by Fiat. Lamborghini, another respected Italian car manufacturer, is a subsidiary of Volkswagen. Alfa Romeo automobiles are noted for their blend of classic design and sporty details. Ferrari was founded by a former driver for Alfa Romeo's racing team. Lancia is a pioneering brand with more world rally championships than any other manufacturer. Lancia was the first company to put an electrical system in a car, and was also the first company to introduce standard production V-6 engines. Maserati is the only Italian company to produce a car that won an Indy 500 race.

Racing

Italian sports cars have historically been successful in auto races such as Le Mans, Mille Miglia and many others. Cars from Alfa Romeo did particularly well in the 1920s and 1930s. Italian-made cars are a common sight at Formula One races, as well as rally races and the FIA Championship circuit.

Classic Italian Cars

Over the years, Italy has produced a great number of classic cars. Some legendary models include the 1938 Alfa Romeo Tipo 8C 2900B, the 1966-1972 Lamborghini Muira SV, and the 1951 Ferrari 340 America.

The company was founded by Enzo Ferrari, who was a former race car driver and later director of racing for Alfa Romeo. The first car to carry the Ferrari name was the 125 Sport, which debuted in 1947. That year, the car won seven races, and it won even more races the following year.

Characteristics of Modern Italian Cars

Italian car companies are most often associated with high-performance luxury sports cars. Italian cars are noted for the quick acceleration, excellent handling, high top speed and exquisite styling. Many modern Italian cars have classic, timeless design, but with styling and accents that play up the racing and motor sport history shared by most major Italian manufacturers. Italian cars have devoted followers all over the world. In recent years, companies like Fiat have introduced new models and concept cars with improved gas mileage and short, snubbed profiles. These so-called "city cars" like Fiat's Ecobasic, have fun, unique styling tempered with environmentally conscious materials and mileage ratings.

In 1939 and again in 1940, Maserati's 8CTF was the winning car at the Indy 500. To this day, the Maserati is the only Italian-made car to have ever won an Indy 500 race.The Ferrari company has a long tradition in motor sports.

Classic car collectors also prize models like the 1963 Maserati Quattroporto (the first four-door car made by Maserati) as well as a modern classic: the Lancia Delta HF Integrale, a true legend among rally cars.