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Automobili Di Sport - By: Alexa Boyce
True, the developments that gave the automobile its popularity originated in the United States. However, the advent of the stylized racing car is pure Italian. Ferrari, De Tomaso, Lancia, Lamborghini, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Bizzarini, Iso, ItalDesign, Pagani, Fiat: All makes of Italian cars renown worldwide for speed and beauty. Lifeinitaly.com says that these cars are "made specifically to take on competition, and Italians still produce a car that not only looks stunning, but also takes first place in many racing battles."
Racing of Italian cars takes many forms. Car racing began in the 1920's with 2-seater cars and enclosed wheel wells. Then the Grand Prix cars became one seater cars to race on a track, and broke off from the endurance racing in Europe that came to be called Gran Turismo. It was in this category that marques such as Ferrari and Maserati made their names in the 1950's. By the 1960's the 'prototype' racers had little to do with actual production vehicles.
In the 1970's Grand Touring (GT) vehicles became more popular, and the American market became flooded with so-called 'muscle' cars. The muscle cars were street-ready versions of these GT cars.
Today there are many collectors of Italian sports cars, and the market for parts is booming. Perhaps a hobby limited to those of a certain economic class, but still a widespread one nonetheless.
I recently heard that one of those who benefited from the recent stock market boom invested $4 million of his profits into one customized Ferrari. One car for $4 million may seem ridiculous, but to some, these cars are worth it.
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