Alfa Romeo's factory in Milan had produced large commercial vehicles since 1914, albeit in limited numbers when compared with its direct competitors such as FIAT, Lancia and OM.

When the need for a small van arose, Alfa Romeo began producing the 'Romeo' at the Pomigliano d'Arco factory near Naples.

The confusingly named 'Alfa Romeo Romeo' was launched in 1954 and in 1956 was superseded by the almost identical Romeo 2.

In 1967 the Romeo 2's front panel was revised with a wider chromed grille and the model became known as the 'A12' (truck cab version with open chassis) and 'F12' (closed van version).

The A12 and F12 were fitted with the same 1,290cc twin-cam engine that had been in the Romeo 2 and which still drove the front wheels through a ZF four-speed gearbox, although power was now 52bhp (up from 37).

Braking was via discs at the front and drums at the rear.

Production ceased in 1983.

This Alfa Romeo A12 was manufactured as a cab and chassis combination in June 1972 and sold ...