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News27 February 2024 by Andreas 313 Viewed

Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale: a legend returns

The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale marks Alfa Romeo's return to the Olympus of the most exclusive supercars. It is available with a twin-turbo 3.0 V6 with over 620 hp or an electric motor with over 750 hp. Price from about 1.5 million euros.

Here it is, at last, the new Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale. Supercar “fuoriserie” of the house of Arese that recalls in name and not only the iconic car born in 1967, considered by many one of the most beautiful of all time.

Available with a twin-turbo 3.0 V6 with over 620 hp or an electric motor with over 750 hp. Price from about 1.5 million euros.

The new two-seater coupe will be made in only 33 speciments, all already sold starting at around 1.5 million euros, by Touring Superleggera with very high standards to ensure manic attention to every detail. A manifest car, celebrating the past while projecting the brand into the (electric) future, anticipating some details of the brand’s upcoming models.

Inspired by the past

Designed by the Alfa Romeo Style Center, the inspiration for the new 33 Stradale is rooted in the historic model. The front end is powerful and muscular, showcasing the shield and elliptical light clusters. Two large side air intakes, immediately behind the heli-opening doors, lead the view to the rear, which expresses the car’s strength through a truncated tail, “V” graphics and round taillights. The maximum height is not at the windshield, but in the center of the roof, allowing for a Cx of 0.375.

Essentiality also distinguishes the interior of the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, so as not to distract the driver from what really matters: driving. The few controls are located on the center console, while in front of the driver is a display that, thanks to the three-dimensionality of the “telescope,” aims to engage the driver. In contrast to current habits, the steering wheel has no buttons. The dashboard and center tunnel are aviation-inspired and use materials such as aluminum, carbon fiber, leather and Alcantara. Two trim options are available, Tributo and Alfa Corse: the former features leather and aluminum and pays homage to the 33 Stradale example on display at the Arese Museum; the latter combines carbon fiber with Alcantara for maximum sportiness.

Also electric

Under the rear hood, the new Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale can be equipped with either a twin-turbo 3.0 V6 engine with more than 620 hp, which the company describes as an evolution of the V6 that already equips Alfa’s highest-performance cars, mounted in a central position and mated to an 8-speed, dual-clutch DCT gearbox, with rear-wheel drive and an electronic limited slip differential, or with an electric motor capable of more than 750 hp and an estimated range of 450 km (WLTP). The number 3 also recurs in the performance claimed for the petrol version: 333 km/h indicated top speed and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 3 seconds, braking from 100 km/h to 0 in less than 33 m.

The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is designed to be used as much on track days as in everyday life, which is why it has two driving modes, Strada and Pista, selectable from switches on the center tunnel. Starting the car activates Strada mode, which is more comfortable with a smooth power delivery, soft suspension, smooth shifting and exhaust valves that open only above 5,000 rpm. Choosing Track mode switches to a more adrenaline-pumping drive: the suspension stiffens, the gearbox becomes quicker, the exhaust valves are always open, and maximum power is guaranteed. In this mode you can decide to turn traction control off completely.

Keeping all the power of the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale under control is a brake-by-wire braking system that acts on Brembo’s signature carbon-ceramic brakes. Rigidity and lightness are provided by an aluminum H-frame and carbon-fiber monocoque, on which a carbon-fiber and aluminum roof structure has been engineered with hinges to attach the butterfly doors. The whole set up will be supported by the experience of Valtteri Bottas, who will bring his Formula 1 experience to the Balocco tests.

As mentioned, all 33 examples of the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale have already been assigned to their respective customers, who participated in the project to create as many unique examples together with a team of professionals. In this way, the Alfa Romeo “Bottega” was born, inspired by the Renaissance workshops and coachbuilders of the 1960s and aiming to make customers’ dreams come true. The first meetings with Alfa Romeo supercar customers took place at last year’s Monza GP, when they were able to express their wishes about their car. All of this was overseen by the 33 committee, which was tasked with approving the customers’ requests, ensuring that the car’s history and iconicity were respected. Production is hand-made by Touring Superleggera.

One-of-a-kind

All this means that no two Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale cars will be identical. The first choice concerns the paint of the 33 Stradale: classic Rosso Alfa pastel, a reinterpretation of Blu Reale, Rosso Tinded Clearcoat “Villa d’Este,” but also a red and white livery as a tribute to the Tipo 33 racing car. Customers can also customize the exposed carbon fiber trim, choose from different air intake configurations, and decide which logo to put on the side between Quadrifoglio and Autodelta. Also customizable are the Alfa Romeo lettering on the rear, the 20-inch alloy wheels, and the dual exhaust tailpipes.

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the author

Andreas

Italian classic car enthusiast with German roots. Renowned as a respected figure in the classic car community, he serves as a jury member at various international concours d'elegance, including the Classic Gala Schwetzingen and Mantova. As a content creator, Andreas passionately shares his profound knowledge and appreciation for vintage automobiles. His heart beats for cars designed by Giovanni Michelotti, showcasing his discerning taste and dedication to preserving the timeless elegance of automotive history.

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Prince Skyline Sport Allemano

The end of World War II left Japan in a difficult position, having to transition its industries from military production to civilian use. This challenge was particularly tough since Japan, like Germany and Italy, was a defeated nation. However, Japan’s ability to adapt would set the stage for one of the most exciting collaborations in automotive history.

Among the companies responsible for this transformation were Tachikawa and Nakajima, two of Japan’s leading aviation companies. Tasked with shifting to civilian production, Tachikawa (later known as Tokyo Electric Cars) began building electric cars in 1947. Their first model, the Tama, was followed by a slightly larger Junior, and eventually, the Senior.

In the early 1950s, Japan’s evolving automotive landscape saw a shift from electric-powered cars to gasoline engines. By the end of 1951, the Tama Senior was fitted with a 1.5-liter petrol engine, a shift that led to the creation of the Prince Sedan in 1952. This was the beginning of Prince Motor Company, which was named in honor of the official investiture of Crown Prince Akihito.

In 1954, Fuji Precision Machinery (formerly Nakajima) acquired Prince Motor Company and embarked on producing automobiles under the Prince brand. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in Japan’s automotive history.

The Birth of the Skyline and the Search for European Inspiration

By the late 1950s, Prince Motor Company had gained recognition in Japan for its innovative vehicles, such as the Prince Sedan and the Skyline (introduced in 1957). However, the company sought to take their vehicles to a new level—focusing on luxury, performance, and innovation. To do so, they looked westward, to Europe, for inspiration.

Europe was home to some of the most prestigious automotive brands, and Fuji Precision Machinery executives wanted a vehicle that could rival the best of Europe. This aspiration led them to Italy, where they arranged a pivotal meeting at the Salone dell’Automobile (Turin Motor Show) with Carrozzeria Allemano, a respected coachbuilder with ties to Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti.

The collaboration between Japan and Italy led to the creation of the Prince Skyline Sport, a car that would redefine the trajectory of Japan’s automotive design. This groundbreaking partnership merged Japanese engineering with Italian artistry, setting a new standard for style and innovation. The success of this collaboration inspired other Japanese manufacturers to partner with Italy’s legendary design houses, creating some of the most iconic vehicles of the 1960s.

Mazda, for example, worked with Bertone, enlisting the renowned Giorgetto Giugiaro to design the Familia, a compact car that skillfully blended European elegance with Japanese practicality. In 1963, Daihatsu teamed up with Vignale to produce the Compagno, along with its sporty variants: the Sport Spider and Coupé; which reflected a uniquely Italian flair. The following year, Pininfarina collaborated with Datsun to craft a sleek new look for the Bluebird, a move that helped the car gain global recognition. By 1965, Isuzu joined forces with Ghia to design the Bellett II, a concept car that showcased bold and forward-thinking design elements.

These partnerships went beyond aesthetics; they helped establish a global identity for Japanese automakers. By working with Italy’s most respected design houses, Japanese manufacturers gained fresh perspectives on styling while enhancing their reputation for innovation and quality. These collaborations not only transformed the appearance of Japanese cars but also elevated their appeal to international markets, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

A Handcrafted Masterpiece

Under the direction of Giovanni Michelotti, one of Italy’s most respected automotive designers, the Skyline Sport would be an example of high-end craftsmanship. Initially, the first series of prototypes were built by Carrozzeria Allemano, known for its hand-built bodies. Later, a second series of production would be completed by Carrozzeria Michelotti, adding the final touch to this luxury vehicle.

The Skyline Sport was designed as a two-door coupe with sleek, flowing lines and a sporty yet elegant appearance. Michelotti’s design incorporated canted headlights, angled downward at the inside corners—a feature seen in other high-end vehicles like the Lincoln Continental and Buick during the late 1950s and early 1960s.

At the heart of the Skyline Sport was a 1.9-liter GB-4 engine that generated 94 horsepower, giving it a top speed of 150 km/h. Despite weighing in at 1,350 kg, the car’s handling was remarkably smooth, thanks to a double-wishbone front suspension and a De Dion rear axle, technologies that were innovative for its time.

The Prince Skyline Sport: A Bold Statement

The Skyline Sport debuted at the 1960 Turin Motor Show, where it garnered international attention for its bold design and luxury features. Available in both a coupe and a convertible version, it was a striking example of Italian design combined with Japanese engineering. Its clean lines, striking front grille, and eye-catching details made it a standout at the show.

But its beauty was more than skin deep. The Skyline Sport was a car that delivered in terms of both aesthetics and performance. With its meticulously crafted body, luxurious interior, and advanced suspension, the car offered an exceptional driving experience that rivaled the finest European vehicles of the era.

The Prince Skyline Sport made its official appearance in Japan at the 1962 Tokyo Motor Show, where it was met with great enthusiasm due to its elegant lines and striking design. With its sleek coupe and convertible versions, the car showcased a perfect blend of Italian craftsmanship and Japanese engineering, captivating the crowd with its sophisticated aesthetic. However, the Skyline Sport came with a hefty price tag of 1.85 million yen, more than twice the cost of a standard sedan. This steep price limited its appeal in Japan’s domestic market, making it a rare and exclusive collector’s item. Despite its high price, the car gained significant exposure through its prominent feature in Toho films, strategically marketed to heighten its status as a luxury icon.

A Historic Collaboration and Legacy

The Prince Skyline Sport is historically significant as the first collaboration between an Italian designer and a Japanese automaker, setting a precedent for future cross-cultural partnerships in the automotive world. It was a testament to the universal appeal of Italian design and the skill of Michelotti and Carrozzeria Allemano. The Skyline Sport bridged cultural and geographical boundaries, bringing together the best of both worlds to create a truly exceptional car.

Though the Skyline Sport never achieved high sales numbers, with only 60 to 200 units produced, its impact on the automotive industry cannot be overstated. It paved the way for later models like the Skyline GT-R and helped establish the Prince Laurel, another model that would become iconic in Japan.

The Skyline Sport also marked the beginning of Prince Motor Company’s shift toward luxury vehicles. This emphasis on quality and refinement would continue after Nissan’s acquisition of Prince Motors in 1966, with the Skyline Sport serving as a precursor to future generations of luxury cars from Japan.

The Prince Skyline Sport was more than just a car—it was a statement of innovation, craftsmanship, and the power of international collaboration. The partnership between Giovanni Michelotti, Carrozzeria Allemano, and Prince Motor Company created a vehicle that showcased the best of both Italian design and Japanese engineering.

Though limited in production and availability, the Skyline Sport remains an important part of automotive history. It stands as a symbol of the potential for global partnerships to create groundbreaking designs, and its legacy continues to inspire the automotive world today.

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