Alfa Romeo's 110th birthday was also celebrated in Switzerland with a journey through time into the history of the brand with the snake. And what could be more fitting than a visit to the magnificent Swiss collection of Dr. Axel Marx, one of the world's greatest Alfa Romeo experts?
Prof. Marx, the famous specialist in vascular surgery, would rather be known as an expert on the Italian car brand Alfa Romeo. Ever since his childhood, Axel has been interested in the latest sports cars, especially Alfa Romeo, even though he grew up in an environment strongly influenced by art: his mother was an art historian and his father a well-known collector of modern art in Europe.
Collector and expert
Over the years, his work as curator of his own large collection of classic cars has focused primarily on the history and production of Alfa Romeo. Thanks to his in-depth knowledge of product history, Axel Marx became a special collector and, above all, an expert.
The history of his collection, which Marx has grouped together in the non-profit organization "Anthax Collection Marx" (visits are possible by appointment), is expressed in the prestigious, but above all the most significant vehicles that he acquired in the years before and after the Second World War. These include, for example, the 6C 1500 from 1928 and the super-sporty, fast 6C 1750 Gran Sport Brianza (1932), in which Axel Marx took part in numerous historic Mille Miglia races.
Unique models
The various versions of the 1900 Sprint and Super Sprint from the most important coachbuilders of the time, such as Zagato, Touring, Pininfarina, Castagna, Worblaufen and Ghia-Aigle, are remarkable and unique in the world.
In addition, there are the beautiful versions of the Giulietta by Zagato, SZ "Coda Tronca" and "Coda Tonda" and the extremely rare SVZ. Also worth mentioning is the "2000 Sportiva" prototype from 1954 (there are only two in the world, the other is in the historical museum in Arese).
What is truly breathtaking for visitors is undoubtedly the overall impression, the line-up of all the vehicles ever produced by Alfa Romeo. This is only possible thanks to the collector's special decision to also import the vehicles produced abroad: So from South Africa, from the USA, and not least a considerable number of cars manufactured in Brazil. A curiosity in passing: in order to research the history of this production in more detail, to be able to interact with important contacts and to gain access to the relevant documents, Prof. Marx has learned Portuguese and is regularly in Brazil to continue his research.
A fitting celebration
The celebration amidst the "Anthax Collection Marx" and the history of what has always been the most popular car brand made the unveiling of the new GTAm model - exclusively for the Swiss media - even more exciting. The exclusive insight let visitors wander live through the historic development of Alfa Romeo and evoke nostalgic feelings. The mechanics of the GTAm's passion allowed the 540 hp engine to be heard amidst its renowned predecessors, bridging the gap between past and future. Perhaps it will be the next addition to Axel Marx's prestigious collection after the recent Quadrifoglio MY20?
