Every now and then, Alfa Romeo will unveil something totally unique. The 8C came out in the 2000s, the Disco Volante in the 2010s, and the Viper-based TZ3 Stradale to go with it. In short, the company doesn’t shy away from building truly special cars to flex that their design prowess is still alive and well.
Revived 33 Stradale is a bespoke creation
Alfa Romeo
Its latest creation is no different. Built as an homage, the 2024 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is the modern interpretation of the 1960s homologated supercar of the same name. Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera has been commissioned to build the retro-futuristic model, which shares the majority of mechanical parts with the Maserati MC20.
“The new 33 Stradale has been designed to enhance our identity, elevate our aspirations, and embody our DNA and values,” says the CEO of Alfa Romeo, Jean-Philippe Imparato. “It is the brand’s first custom-built car since 1969, and I promise it will not be our last.
The original Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale was based on the Tipo 33 sports prototype, a race car that participated in various competitions between 1967 and 1977. A steel frame supported the light and agile chassis, giving the Alfa the handling prowess that enabled it to eventually win the world sports car championship in 1975. Its racing pedigree also includes a victory at the Daytona 24 Hours in the 2.0-liter class, cementing its status as a legend.
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Maserati’s DNA but Alfa Romeo’s racing heritage
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As with the MC20, the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale offers two ways of propulsion. The 3.0-liter V-6 equipped with twin turbochargers produces 620 horsepower and is coupled to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. An all-electric powertrain that will reportedly produce 750 horsepower is also in the works, although Alfa didn’t give any specifics on its battery capacity. If it’s the same as the GranTurismo Folgore though, that could place a 92.5 kilowatt-hour battery pack beneath the floor.
Either way, the reincarnated 33 Stradale should achieve a top speed of 207 miles per hour, according to recent testing, and a 0 to 60 mph time of less than 3.0 seconds. These numbers trump the 33 Stradale of the 1960s, which used a canted 2.0-liter V-8 that was good for a top speed of roughly 160 mph.
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As impressive as these numbers are, the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale isn’t about chasing numbers. That fact is apparent in the bespoke bodywork as well as what’s going on inside the cabin. A digital gauge cluster sits in its usual position, while a combination of metal controls and likely leather or Alcantara trim pieces sprawl throughout the interior, delivering a similar aesthetic to the original 33 Stradale.
True to the name, 33 examples of the modern Stradale will be built. It costs a cool $1,000,000, however all examples have been sold. At least it will be less rare than the original 33 Stradale, of which just 18 were built over a two-year period starting in 1967.
Final thoughts
Alfa Romeo
Now that Alfa Romeo is paying homage to the 33 Stradale, what’s next? I suggest the Alfa Romeo 75 Turbo, one of the icons of IMSA racing in the 1980s.
At present, the Italian automaker has only a handful of cars in its U.S. stable: the Tonale, Giulia, and the Stelvio. The latter two are based on the Giorgio platform, which could go away as the automaker shifts to EVs.
That doesn’t mean Alfa Romeo will overlook its heritage, as we can see with the new 33 Stradale flagship. In a world dominated by SUVs, the reborn 33 Stradale honors a legendary classic while reaffirming that Alfa’s passion remains undiminished.
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