Central Florida Alfas

From the 1960's to the 1990's the Alfa Romeo new car dealer in central Florida was European Motor Service in Longwood, Florida. ALFA is an acronym for Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili (translated: Lombard Automobile Factory, Public Company).

European was owned by Johnny Mollica (Mo-leek-ah) and Carmine "Carlo" Briscese (Brees-chay-zee), both born in Italy. Not only did they sell and service new Alfa Romeos but they also served as the rebuilding center for ALFA Romeo USA, the place where motors and transmissions in need of fixing came to be rebuilt and then sent back out to various dealers nationwide.

I have had the opportunity in the last week or so to chat with both Johnny and Carlo. They are now in their 70's and are enjoying life in retirement but still in love with their Alfas as they each still own them.

In fact I have had several conversation with Carlo during which he told me a little bit about his childhood in Italy during WWII and some of his history with Alfa Romeo. Carlo did a lot of the engine and transmission rebuilding in Longwood himself and is an Alfa Romeo expert.

One of his cars is a 1991 Alfa Romeo 164 he has owned since new. Black outside. Beautiful tan leather inside. A dizzying array of switches and buttons controlling every little feature imaginable.

More pictures of this beauty soon.....and here they are! Not bad for a 17 year old car!