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) |

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) |
![]() |
Rear three quarter of 1953 Alfa Romeo BAT 5. (Picture from: ConceptCarz) |
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) |
![]() |
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) |
![]() |
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) |
![]() |
Rear three quarter of 2008 Alfa Romeo BAT 11. (Picture from: Pinterest) |

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.