1954 Alfa Romeo B.A.T. 7

The B.A.T. 7 (Berlinetta Aerodinamica Tecnica) displayed at the Salone dell'Automobile di Torino in April 1954 was considered the most advanced expression of Franco Scaglione’s design genius. On behalf of Bertone, he designed a body with even more audacious lines than those of the previous B.A.T. 5, always with the aim at obtaining lower wind resistance and, as a result, a better performance/consumption ratio. The tail fins appeared even more sensational as they originated from the windscreen pillars and extended to the tail with a strong wraparound development. The B.A.T. 7 was built on the Alfa Romeo 1900 Super Sprint mechanical components with a twin cam, 4 cylinder, 1975 ccs engine (115 bhp). On 13 January 1955, it was sold for Lire 3,850,000 to Alfa Romeo, then the car is supposed to be sent to the US importer Stanley "Wacky" Arnolt which displayed it, repainted in red, at the Chicago Auto Show. The vehicle was then bought by Al Williams, a San Francisco restorer, and Charles Rezzaghi, who displayed it in his Alfa Romeo/Ferrari/Fiat showroom in Hyde Street. Later, the car was sold to Ken Shaff and then to James Sorrell, who displayed it at S&A Italian Sports Cars in Sepulveda Boulevard, Van Nuys (Los Angeles). At the time, Salvatore di Natale, the owner of the showroom, was the best-known salesman of Alfa Romeo and Maserati on the US west coast. Di Natale kept the B.A.T. 7 for 17 years and subjected it to an extensive mechanical and body restoration so that he could take part in the Pebble Beach Concours of 1989.