Alfa Romeo models to lose iconic license plate design

Future Alfa Romeo models will lose some unique character due to new pedestrian safety regulations.

Asymmetrically mounted license plates are as much a trademark of Alfa Romeo as the iconic "scudetto." Unfortunately, this will change soon. The tradition that began in 1955 with the Giulietta Spider must become a thing of the past because of strict regulations.

The issue of plates came up again with the premiere of Alfa's most miniature model, the Junior, which features a centrally mounted license plate. According to the brand's chief stylist, Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, a similar fate awaits all new Alfas.

In an interview, he said we can no longer mount license plates to the side due to homologation regulations concerning pedestrian safety. Some die-hard Alfisti believe that an Alfa is not an Alfa without a side-mounted plate, but history remembers many beautiful Alfas with a center plate.

He added that he has an Alfetta and a Giulia with a central plate, which looks beautiful.

One matter that may concern brand fans is the "scudetto." Those who worry that the central plate will obscure the grille can rest easy. The element will be redesigned in future models so that the plate fits below without a problem.