For the new enthusiast, this can be a challenge. Of this number, which books are the most interesting? Which are the most useful? Which address your individual car or model? What books are truly indispensable? Which are collectable? And what should an Alfa Romeo enthusiast learn about?
A large subject, to be sure. There are a great number of very good Alfa books to be had, exceeded only by those on Ferrari. For that we are grateful, but narrowing the list down to a manageable few is not easy. If a book does not
appear on the list, it does not mean that it is a bad book, only
not one of the best.
We've established two catagories; Tradition, Racing and General History, and
Model Specific books. The list of books number 17 in the first category and 21 in the second. They are arranged roughly in chronological order.
A third category could be Repair and Restoration. However, there is no need to list them, as there is a particular pecking order: first, factory shop and parts manuals, second, reprinted factory shop and parts manuals, third, Haynes, and lastly, Chilton. And of course these books would be reference material
for your specific model.
Within the two main categories, we're going to be selective and biased. We’ve been collecting Alfa books since 1965, and have a pretty good idea of what books are worthwhile, and Dave McClure of MotorBooks Italiano (www.MotorBooks Italiano.com). has added his opinions as well. So, here's a list of 38 of the best Alfa books in and out of print, with comments. Prices quoted are approximates, averaged from Interent search results, and will vary from dealer to dealer.
TRADITION, RACING AND GENERAL HISTORY
Alfa Romeo: All Cars From 1910 Fusi M. Absolutely indispensable. The best work on Alfas and the most reliable. From the horses mouth, so to speak. $300.
Alfa Romeo Catalogue Raisonne 1910-2000 Altieri P. & Lurani G. If you can’t find Fusi, this is excellent and more up to date. $550.
Guide to the Identification of Alfa Romeo Cars Tabucchi M. Perhaps the least expensive way to learn about all the Alfas. $25.
Alfa Romeo Hull P. and Slater R., 1965. Right next to Fusi. Get the first or second edition. $60.
Le Grandi Alfa Romeo Fusi L. Coffee table art and specs. Very expensive, limited use, but apparently a collector’s item. $350.
The Alfa Romeo Tradition Borgeson G. Interesting, colorful, a good way to learn about the engineering traditions of Merosi, Jano and Satta. $40.
Scuderia Ferrari 1929 to 1939: Enzo Ferrari Racing with Alfa Romeo
Orsini L. / Zagari F./ Nye D.
Tracing the history of Ferrari's involvement with Alfa Romeo. Price reflects the quality and rarity. $800 English, $600 in Italian.
Le Alfa Romeo di Vittorio Jano
Fusi L. & Ferrari E. & Borgeson G. Another landmark work on the cars of Jano. $450. Italian text only.
First Among Champions, the Alfa Romeo Grand Prix cars
Venables D. History of the 158/9 Alfettas. $40.
Viva Alfa Romeo
Owen D. A very nice racing history and a good read. $30.
Chiti Grand Prix
Casucci P. Founder of AutoDelta takes Alfa racing in the seventies. $80.
Alfissimo
Owen D. Covers 1900 through Nuova Giulietta, enjoyable, well done. $70.
Alfa Romeo Veloce, The Racing Giuliettas, 1956-1963
Hughes D. 1300 Zagatos abound, excellent source material. $180.
Alfa Romeo Guide Ayling K. One of the very first books on Alfas, interesting and with charm.
$40.
Alfa Romeo Milano
Frostick M. Photos only, from the factory files. Very handy reference. $40.
Fantastic Alfa Romeos
Gerggio L. Great photos, a very nice selection of classics Alfas. $30.
Road & Track on Alfa Romeo 1977-1984 Can be had via Brooklands, but the original R&T offering is better. $19.
MODEL SPECIFIC IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER
Profile NO. 14: Type RL Alfa Romeos Hull P. and Fusi L. Combines the factory historian with the late, well-versed Peter Hull. First very significant Alfa. $12.
Alfa Romeo Tipo 6C 1500 1750 1900
Cherrett A. Excellent source material, well written.
$80.
6C 1750 Alfa Romeo Fusi L. & Slater R. Fusi and Slater were a potent combination. $250.
Alfa Romeo Tipo A Monoposto
Fusi L. Factory details and history of the great P3. $75.
Alfa Romeo Modello 8c2300
Cherrett A.
Another great book from Angela Cherrett. $150.
The Legendary 2.3, Alfa Romeo 8c2300 three volumes
Moore S. A must have for those who can afford an 8c2300. $580.
The Immortal 2.9 Alfa Romeo 8c2900 A and B
Moore S. Covers every single 2.9 made, impressive research. For those wealthy enough to buy an 8c2900, the price is a mere pittance. $1300.
Alfa Romeo 6c2500
Anselmi A. A truly fascinating look at the post war Alfas so long ignored. $100.
Alfa Romeo 1900 Sprint Garcia G. Single marque excellence. $75.
Alfa Romeo Disco Volante
Anderloni B. Written by the person who designed it, invalulable. $95.
Alfa Romeo Giulietta Golden Anniversary
Anselmi A. & Boscarelli L. The best book anywhere on the Giulietta, period. $60.
Alfa Romeo Coupes, 1910-2000
Alfieri B. Every coupe built in full detail. $47.
Alfa Romeo 2600 Pitt C. Again, compilation of existing material on the 2600 series. $17.
Alfa Romeo Giulia and Sprint
Pitt C. Reproduced material on the great Guilias, a Brooklands type book. $22.
Alfa Romeo GTA
Tabucchi M. and Maurizio.
Best book on the lightweight Alfa GTA. $100.
Alfa Romeo Zagato SZ, TZ
Minerbi M. Excellent reference for the SZ and TZ with all racing results. $150.
Alfa Romeo Giulia History and Restoration
Braden P. The best of Pat’s books, a must have for a restoration project. $75.
Alfa Romeo Duetto Madaro G. Focuses on the Duetto in detail. $29.95
Alfa Romeo Spider
Alfieri B. Factory documentation, full details, excellent. $40.
Alfa Romeo Spiders
Owen D. Not a bad book for the price. $14.
Alfa Romeo Spider, Alfasud and Alfetta GT: The Complete Story Styles D. Brings the marque history up to the Alfasud. $25.
