Bertone BAT Concepts: Alfa Romeo’s Real-Life Futuristic Dream Cars

Aero Artistry - Back in the early 1950s, Alfa Romeo wasn’t just interested in building stylish sports cars—they wanted to understand the science behind how cars moved through the air. So, in 1953, they turned to Bertone, a legendary design firm led at the time by Giuseppe "Nuccio" Bertone. With design genius Franco Scaglione behind the pencil, this partnership set out to create a trio of experimental cars that would push the boundaries of automotive aerodynamics. 

The Three Original Alfa Romeo BAT concept cars. (Picture from: Wikipedia, retouched by EKA with a Batman figurine)

These machines were dubbed BAT, short for Berlinetta Aerodinamica Tecnica, and their mission was clear—reduce drag and explore extreme shapes that sliced through the air like nothing before. The history of the concept cars began when Alfa Romeo contacted Giuseppe "Nuccio" Bertone from the design house Bertone to design three concept vehicles to examine the drag effect on the vehicle. The concept cars were then named BAT for "Berlinetta Aerodinamica Tecnica," and the three initial concept car models were designed by Franco Scaglione. 

The innovation behind these concept cars lies in both their design and technology—earning well-deserved praise and admiration. And no, they have nothing to do with the fictional superhero Batman or his Batmobile. Each of the three original cars made their debut at the Turin Auto Show in 1953, 1954, and 1955, respectively. What follows is a look at four classic BAT concept cars from Alfa Romeo and Bertone—each one a bold vision of the future wrapped in a truly unique shape.

1. Alfa Romeo BAT 5

The first of the series, BAT 5, rolled into the public eye at the 1953 Turin Auto Show, looking more like a spacecraft than a car. Every curve of the vehicle was sculpted with wind flow in mind. From its exaggerated fins to its sharply angled windows and almost seamless roofline, the BAT 5 was created to minimize resistance and avoid turbulent air pockets. 

Front three quarter of 1953 Alfa Romeo BAT 5.(Picture from: ConceptCarz)

It wasn’t just a visual stunner—the technical results were impressive too. Bertone designed the car to be exceptionally lightweight—around 1,100 kg (2,400 lbs)—featuring side windows angled at 45 degrees relative to the body and a large windshield that seamlessly blends into an almost flat roof.  

Rear three quarter of 1953 Alfa Romeo BAT 5. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)

At the rear, a long back window is split by a slender central pillar, while two fins rise upward and tilt slightly inward. This attention to aerodynamics resulted in a remarkably low drag coefficient of 0.23 and a top speed around 200 km/h (120 mph) with a modest 100 hp engine proved that beauty and brains could indeed go hand-in-hand.

2. Alfa Romeo BAT 7

A year later, BAT 7 took things even further. This model built upon the aerodynamic lessons of its predecessor and turned up the drama. Massive curved tailfins dominated the rear, clearly inspired by aircraft design. Its nose dipped lower, with a more aggressive profile and retractable headlights nestled beside it.

Front three quarter of 1954 Alfa Romeo BAT 7. (Picture from: Pinterest)

The result? An even sleeker silhouette that boasted a drag coefficient of just 0.19—still a marvel by today’s standards. Despite its radical appearance, the car wasn’t about style for style’s sake. Every detail had a function, aimed at taming airflow and reducing resistance to the absolute minimum.

Rear three quarter of 1954 Alfa Romeo BAT 7. (Picture from: Pinterest)

3. Alfa Romeo BAT 9

Then came BAT 9 in 1955, a more refined and almost production-ready looking concept. While it retained echoes of the earlier BAT designs, it dialed back the theatrical elements. The enormous fins were traded for subtler, cleaner lines that hinted more clearly at Alfa Romeo’s road cars.

Front three quarter of 1955 Alfa Romeo BAT 9. (Picture from: Rex Grey on Flickr)

BAT 9 was perhaps the bridge between fantasy and reality—a study in how to channel dramatic design into something that might actually make it to a showroom floor. Still, it held on to its futuristic edge with signature touches and meticulous detailing.

Left side view of 1955 Alfa Romeo BAT 9. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)

4. Alfa Romeo BAT 11

Fast forward more than five decades, and the BAT name wasn’t forgotten. In 2008, Alfa Romeo and Bertone reunited to unveil BAT 11, a modern homage to the classics. This time, the base was the striking Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, and while the design language paid tribute to the originals, the result was bolder and wilder than ever.

Right side view of 2008 Alfa Romeo BAT 11. (Picture from: Pinterest)

With swooping surfaces, flared panels, and deep-cut lines, BAT 11 embraced the theatrical spirit of the past but added a 21st-century edge. Though never intended for production, it reminded the world just how far ahead of their time the original BAT cars truly were.

Rear three quarter of 2008 Alfa Romeo BAT 11. (Picture from: Pinterest)

Today, the first three BATs have been fully restored and are cherished as masterpieces of design. They make rare appearances at prestigious events like the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where they continue to steal the spotlight. Collectors consider them priceless, with valuations soaring well past the million-dollar mark per car. Yet their true value isn’t just in their rarity or their stunning visuals—it lies in what they represent: the fearless pursuit of innovation through design.

Looking back, the BAT Series wasn’t just a showcase of automotive beauty—it was a celebration of imagination and experimentation. Decades later, these cars still look like they’ve landed from the future. And maybe, just maybe, that’s what makes them timeless. WOW!! *** [EKA [01092018] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | STEEMIT | CONCEPTCARZ | ]

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