1955 Alfa Romeo B.A.T. 9d
Alfa Romeo’s directive for the final Bertone aerodynamic concept emphasized road-going practicality, prompting Franco Scaglione to revise the themes established by the B.A.T. 5 and B.A.T. 7 with reduced tailfins for improved rearward vision and the elimination of rear wheel skirts.
The more restrained fins, coupled with a slightly cleaner side profile, helped move the car visually closer to something that might plausibly see street use while still retaining the experimental B.A.T. character.
A pronounced beltline emerged at the rear quarters, and a production-style Alfa Romeo shield grille incorporating the Milano crest replaced the earlier cars’ bespoke nose treatments, clearly linking the study to contemporary showroom Giuliettas.
The design represented Scaglione’s interpretation of a gran turismo that could be adapted for actual road use, even though the hand-formed coachwork over Alfa Romeo 1900 mechanical components made sure it remained a pure concept rather than a production prototype.
Shown at the Turin Motor Show in October 1955, the B.A.T. 9d completed what has since been recognized as one of automotive history’s most celebrated design trilogies.
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