The NEW Quadrifoglio 1983
15 September, 2021
Ten years after the presses stopped running, Alfista's quarterly magazine Il Quadrifoglio returns in a completely new version, and not just in terms of graphics.
In a decade, the world has changed a lot and quickly, as can be seen in the style of the articles, the subject matter, the photographic choices and the graphic concept.
In short, the Quadrifoglio archive housed in the Cozzi.Lab once again becomes the witness of an era - indeed, of several eras - thanks to the loving care with which our founder Pietro Cozzi has preserved every little document.
Let's start our journey into the eighties together, accompanied by our Quadrifoglio!
"In fact, the Quadrifoglio comes to the Alfista in his home, enters his privacy and for this reason must not invade it with commercial talk".
"we will do it with a light hand, i.e. giving fantasy and image predominant roles'.
ettore massacesi, talking about the rebirth of il quadrifoglio".
CHRISTMAS, CAREFREENESS
Editor Ettore Massacesi says it clearly in his 'rebirth' editorial: "Il Quadrifoglio comes to the Alfista in his home, it enters his privacy and for that reason it must not invade it with commercial talk".
It is a sign of change.
No more entire reports dedicated to new cars, no more advertisements inserted even in the most "relaxed" articles: plenty of space for lifestyle, even independently of cars, in the search for a life of luxury and entertainment so typical of the Eighties.
And so the first service is dedicated to Christmas, and not just any Christmas but a holiday to be spent in the most luxurious cities on the planet. New York, London, Vienna, Copenhagen...
Not a single mention of Alfa in the long article opening the new Quadrifoglio!
Editor Ettore Massacesi's editorial is a declaration of intent which is followed up in the following pages.
There were many articles dedicated to lifestyle, but few focused on Alfa Romeo cars and the factory's successes.
What a change from the 1970s!
LEARN THE ART...
Alfa Romeo returns to the forefront of the quarterly report when it is time to talk about sponsors and exhibitions.
In particular, the article by Viviana Kasam recounts Alfa Romeo's exhibition in the Galleria di Milano during ICSID, the exhibition dedicated to design.
Alfa Romeo is juxtaposed with other famous brands - such as Olivetti and IBM - which at the time were already supporting art and exhibitions in the name of their corporate responsibility and to support culture.
A principle that Museo Fratelli Cozzi really cares about. our project Adopt a car (if you don't know it, you should!).
WITH THE SNAKE IN ITS SIGHTS
Il Quadrifoglio's initiative dedicated to all Alfisti was a great one: a competition for those who took the most beautiful photograph of their Alfa Romeo car.
Let's dive into the eighties by taking a look at the prizes up for grabs: a set of Alfaclub Valaguzza suitcases, a Philips AC 740 digital stereo car radio, Fischer RC4 Super G skis, Alfa Romeo Special Liven International sunglasses.
HOW A SPRINT IS BORN
Finally, towards the end of the Quadrifoglio, room for Alfas!
We talk about the Giulietta Sprint, produced from 1954 onwards. The columnist dedicates a nostalgic piece to it, talking about its 'father', engineer Orazio Satta, and its characteristics: 1,290 cc displacement (bore and stroke 74 x 75 mm), light alloy cylinder head and crankcase, double inverted carburettor and power of 80 bhp at 6300 rpm. Details still important today for true enthusiasts!
The Giulietta Sprint reached 165 mph with legendary road holding and handling.
In short: a Quadrifoglio, the 1983 one, perhaps less impressive and fascinating to our eyes, but certainly a witness to its times!
And you, what do you think? Which version do you prefer?
