Alfa Romeo Artfully and Skillfully Revives an Italian Legend

In order to make a dream come true, the essential ingredient is a good dose of courage and a pinch of healthy madness. Just ask Alfa Romeo. This was the same recipe for a historic car considered by many to be among the most beautiful ever: the 1967 33 Stradale.

More than 55 years later, the “fuoriserie” (custom-built) Italian legend is revived yet remains an authentic work of art in motion.

The new 33 Stradale, only 33 units of which will be made and delivered globally (all spoken for already), was developed at the recently created Alfa Romeo “Bottega,” where the brand’s designers, engineers and historians initially met with potential buyers to create each car, as in Renaissance artisan boutiques and workshops of renowned Italian coachbuilders of the 1960s. Customers will have full personalization power.

Inspired by Aviation

The forward design of the modern 33 Stradale has a powerful and muscular stance. Standout features include the iconic shield and complex elliptical-base lighting. The profile is dynamic and slender, with butterfly doors that feature two large air inlets. Meanwhile, the large wraparound sunroof gives the driver a unique, aircraft cockpit view.

Moving over to the rear, the truncated tail with a massive diffuser, V-shaped graphic and round taillight clusters (which look like menacing, bloodshot eyes) add to the car’s theatrical design.

Inside the concept-like, two-seat cabin, Alfa Romeo designers aimed for the greatest possible driving engagement without distracting the driver. The limited number of controls for common systems can be found on the centre console and overhead console—again, just like in an aircraft.

The steering wheel, devoid of all its usual buttons, contributes to an experience of pure driving pleasure, the company insists. As for the wraparound buckets, they beautifully reinterpret those of the original 33 Stradale, ensuring comfort and ergonomics.

Electryfing No Matter What

At the customer’s request, the new 33 Stradale can be ordered with a twin-turbo V6 engine producing over 610 horsepower or as a fully electric car with more than 740 horsepower. Performance promises to be outstanding in both cases, with a top speed of 333 km/h and 0-100 km/h acceleration in less than three seconds.

Crucially, engineers intended to deliver a track car experience in a model suitable for everyday use on the road, without compromising comfort and safety. Working with F1 driver Valtteri Bottas, the Finnish champion will support the car’s tuning at the Balocco Proving Ground in Italy. A double-arm, active suspension, front-axle lift, brake-by-wire with Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes and aluminum H-frame ensuring rigidity and lightness are all part of the mix.

“With the new 33 Stradale, we wanted to create something that lived up to our past, to serve the brand and to make the Alfisti fandom proud,” said Jean-Philippe Imparato, CEO of the Alfa Romeo brand. “Such a result could only have been achieved thanks to the expertise, hard work and passion of our team, with the support of management who have the clear ambition to contribute to writing chapters in the brand’s future, in full respect of its unique history. This is the brand’s first fuoriserie car since 1969, and I promise it won’t be the last.”

We can’t wait to see what’s next!