Carabo Concept Car: the futuristic model makes an appearance at Milan Design Week

The automotive world has witnessed the unveiling of many futuristic concepts that can be seen at the Shanghai Motor Show and that promise to revolutionise the way we drive. However, few of them have left as lasting an imprint as the one that debuted at the Paris Motor Show in 1968. This innovative design was recently showcased at an event at the Alfa Romeo Museum in Italy to mark its 55th anniversary.

Futuristic model 55 years later

The Alfa Romeo Carabo was designed by the Bertone design studio, led by the legendary designer Marcello Gandini. Its striking, aggressive design was inspired by the shape of a beetle, with scissor doors and a glass roof that extended from the front to the rear of the car. The Carabo’s bodywork is made of fibreglass and its height is less than one metre, which makes it even more spectacular and allowed the car to be lighter and more agile than many of its contemporaries.

Under the bonnet, the Carabo features a 2.0-litre V8 engine producing 230 CV, which allowed it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just six seconds. Amid today’s many electric supercars capable of matching that figure in half the time, it may not impress you; but try to use your imagination and picture what it meant in that era.

This concept car was built on the basis of the iconic Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, an emblematic car for the Milanese brand. Fifty-five years after its original unveiling, the Carabo remains an icon of automotive design. To celebrate its legacy, the Alfa Romeo Museum in Italy organised a special event featuring a display of several historic Alfa Romeo models, including the Carabo.

On display at the LARUSMIANI boutique in Milan

The LARUSMIANI boutique and the renowned architect Benedetto Camerana collaborated to design a spectacular renovation of the store, which was recently inaugurated in Milan. The boutique’s concept is innovative, and the first vehicle included in the “The Automotive Gallery” project will be the Carabo. The permanent exhibition in the store focuses on the world of the automobile, which makes the Carabo the perfect car to lead this Milanese project.

Alfa Romeo and LARUSMIANI are ambassadors of Made in Italy around the world and are united by their strong bond with Milan. Both brands are known for creating products that are icons of style, quality, elegance and craftsmanship.

The futuristic Carabo-style prototype has become an icon of beauty and functional design. Although only one model was built, it has been a source of inspiration for many other successful cars.

Alfa Romeo Carabo image gallery