Aerodynamics
1913. The Siluro: dressed for speed Born of an idea by Count Ricotti
With the valuable support of Prof. Massimo Grandi's depth of knowledge and illustrative talent
Speed was one of the key symbols of the Italian Futurist movement. This helps to explain why, in 1914, an eccentric Milanese aristocrat called Count Mario Ricotti decided to transform an ordinary Alfa Romeo 40/60 into a superfast, aerodynamic, torpedo-shaped version.
What might seem surprising, though, is that Castagna, the coachbuilder entrusted with realising the project, decided to retain much of the original vehicle – the hood, controls and seats –, enclosing these in a teardrop-shaped structure that was given a futuristic appearance by the unusual curvature of the windows, including the side ones.