Mention the Ferrari 250 GTO or the Jaguar E-Type and automotive enthusiasts instantly recognize these models as some of the most beautiful cars of all time. However, if you’re a true aficionado, the Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 likely also has a place in your heart. This rarity, even scarcer than the famed 250 GTO, has inspired Alfa Romeo’s latest creation: the 33 Stradale. This spiritual successor is founded on the Maserati MC20’s platform and boasts a twin-turbo V6 engine, with the elegant bodywork crafted by Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera.
The design of the new 33 Stradale is heavily influenced by its predecessor, the Tipo 33. What sets it apart is an unexpectedly open interior, owing to butterfly doors featuring panoramic glass that envelops the roof. Taking a contrarian approach to the prevailing trend of digital touchscreens, Alfa Romeo opts for tactile, physical controls for operations ranging from lifting the front axle to selecting the drive mode. Limited to just 33 units, all are already claimed, making the 33 Stradale as rare as it is beautiful.
Remember Alfa Romeo’s last 8C, last seen in 2010? While there were plans for a 700-horsepower comeback that never materialized, Alfa Romeo has now found a new path for a flagship with the 33 Stradale. Not just a car, but a masterpiece, this vehicle features a body meticulously handcrafted by Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, marking the second time an Alfa has received this distinction following last year’s Giulia SWB Zagato.
Owners of the 33 Stradale have the luxury of choosing from a multitude of customization options. From a custom eight-digit VIN displayed prominently on the center tunnel to the material selection for the cabin, which harmoniously blends leather, carbon fiber, aluminum, and Alcantara. Two distinct interior themes, Tributo and Alfa Corse, provide further avenues for personalization.
Beneath its captivating exterior, the 33 Stradale hides a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 that churns out over 620 horsepower. Although it might sound like Maserati’s Nettuno engine, the powerhouse actually evolves from the 2.9-liter V6 found in Alfa’s Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio models. This is one of the fastest cars in the world, as it rockets from 0 to 62 mph in less than three seconds and can reach a top speed of 207 mph. Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission from ZF, the vehicle promises an exhilarating drive.
For those leaning towards an electric future, the 33 Stradale is also available as a fully electric supercar boasting over 750 horsepower. This power matches that of the GranTurismo Folgore and promises a range of 280 miles, measured under the WLTP cycle.
Jean-Philippe Imparato, CEO of Alfa Romeo, assures that the 33 Stradale will not be the brand’s only special edition car in the pipeline. Numerous highly bespoke models are already being planned, ensuring that Alfa Romeo will continue to both captivate and innovate in the automotive world.
So whether you’re a lover of classic cars or a devotee of modern marvels, the 33 Stradale offers the best of both worlds, making it a compelling addition to the conversation about the most beautiful cars of all time.
