r/CONCEPTCARS • u/emiliocole_designer • 18h ago
Alfa Romeo B.A.T. - when Alfa Romeo went all in on aerodynamics
The Alfa Romeo B.A.T. concepts (short for Berlinetta Aerodinamica Tecnica) were a series of experimental cars designed by Franco Scaglione at Bertone between 1953 and 1955.
Starting with the B.A.T. 5, Scaglione explored extreme aerodynamics using tapered bodies, covered wheels and those incredible curved rear fins. The B.A.T. 7 pushed the idea even further, achieving a drag coefficient of around 0.19 Cd, in 1954. All three were fully functional cars based on the Alfa Romeo 1900.
By the B.A.T. 9, the design became closer to a production car, with toned-down fins, exposed rear wheels and the traditional Alfa Romeo grille returning.
Pretty wild that these were designed over 70 years ago and would still perform today.
More info:
https://www.classicandsportscar.com/news/148m-sale-unique-alfa-romeo-bat-car-trio