September 23, 2011

Blackhawk Spotlight - The Alfa Romeo BAT Cars

The fabulous Alfa Romeo BATs (Berlineta Aerodinamica Tecnica). A truly inspired trio of aerodynamic concept cars dreamed by Bertone back in the 50's. It was a real treat to finally see them "in the metal". The definitive high point of my visit to the Blackhawk Automotive Museum.

The trio sitting side by side on the main gallery on the second floor.

BAT 5 dramatic rear glass complements the fins and helps it achieve a Cd of 0.23.

1953 BAT 5 front end would look right at home in a caped crusader comic.

1954 BAT 7 was a bit more aerodynamic at Cd 0.19. It is also my favorite of the three.

BAT 7 fins the most dramatic in my opinion.

BAT 9 - Last in the series wears more conventional styling.

BAT 9 fins show a bit more restraint than it's predecessors.

One last look at the evolution of a concept.

Source: Photographed by the author at the Blackhawk Automotive Museum, California.