The most beautiful of the alphas…
Bella, bearing the signature of Bertone, is an incredible concept designed as a grand tourer coupé in the Italian school and produced on the basis of the Alfa Romeo 166. Revealed in 1999, the Italian beauty is an aesthetic and technical manifesto of how a modern grand tourer can be shaped…
Combining classic 2+2 coupé proportions, lines typical of Turin tradition and the flagship mechanical heritage of the 166, Bella was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show and left fans speechless with the simplicity of its lines, aviation-inspired details and unusual solutions.
An innovative project
Bella was penned to take advantage of the 166’s chassis and mechanical layout, embodying the idea of a possible 166 coupé. Although the prototype maintains the assertive dimensions of the sedan, it stands out with a shorter and more compact body and a shortened rear.
Initially, the car was planned to carry a 225 hp V6 Busso engine, but the only one in operation uses a 2.0-liter Twin Spark 4-cylinder engine under the hood. The traction layout remains front-wheel drive, aligning with the 166’s philosophy and goal of keeping the project realistic, potentially manufacturable.
The exterior design is based on the Alfa Romeo “scudetto” sculptural on the hood. The extremely thin headlights are produced with LED technology (at a time when this solution was just being recognized by the industry). Thus, the car is given a more tense and aerodynamic visual perception.
The windshield seamlessly integrates with the side windows, winking at an approach reminiscent of an aviation cockpit like the Lancia Stratos. The entire body appears to be a one-piece structure, with compact rear dimensions and wrapper doors that include part of the roof.
Elegant 2+2 interior
The interior, largely derived from the 166, has been reinterpreted with more exclusive materials and original functional solutions. Red leather dominates the cabin; On the upper part of the glove box, a breathable technical fabric is used to help reduce heating.
The rear seats are one of the most innovative points. Offering a true 2+2 layout, Bella has an adjustable rear section to increase the luggage volume. Thus, it also allows the transportation of large items such as bicycles or surfboards.
The only example in operation was extensively restored in 2024 by a specialist workshop in the Varese region. A project that has remained an example in terms of elegance and innovation can now come to light again…
