The term 'Italian car, informally' can be summarized as 'Alfa', which is a four-letter word. Alfa Romeo is an Italian luxury car manufacturer founded in 1910 in Milan, Italy. It is one of the oldest and most successful car brands in the world, and its cars are known for their performance and style. The company's logo is a red cross on a white background, and its cars are often referred to as 'Alfas' by enthusiasts.