by Wallace Wyss
I have to congratulate Alfa Romeo. For all the bumper laws, and emissions laws and God knows what, they still can make a sensational car. At the LA Auto Show preview I saw the latest, the Tonale version of the 33 coupe.
Ironically it is a limited edition –33 cars–and they are already sold out. But at least it shows that they are a brand that has reservoirs of fans that can still line up to buy something special.
The original 33 coupe –the 1960s 33 Stradale, was based on the Tipo 33 race car – once a big name in world motorsport. The same carrozzeria that worked on the original is involved in this car.
Under the bonnet sits a 630-hp twin-turbo V6 engine that offers exceptional performance: acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in under three seconds and a top speed of 333 km/h.
Here’s my design critique:
FRONT Headlights are a bit bulbous–bigger than they need to be but then if they made them slimmer, it might look too much like trying to copy the original.
I like the Alfa grille emblem being small, not overly large and too attention attracting.
SIDE The side air intake scoop for the mid-mounted engine is not overly large–reminiscent of the same type of scoop on some mid- engined Ferraris. The flip up doors are Lamboesque but when you pay that kind of money for a supercar you want those supercar “identifiers” such as flip up doors. The 5 spoke wheels are grabbing for attention but don’t detract that much from the coupe shape.
REAR Taillights are a bit large, maybe by 2″ but striking. Oddly partially blocked by rear bodywork. The rear deck has a black rectangle–maybe for a spoiler but at least this car doesn’t have a big wing on stilts that looks silly when you’re just cruising down the Crossette in Nice.
The side vent at the rear of the side view is unfortunately painted flat black. It didn’t need that extra emphasis.
INTERIOR You would have to use the word “minimalist” to describe the interior. I didn’t see a big screen and I like the switchgear on the center console. The upholstery pleats are diagonal, different and welcoming.
IN SUM It is a tremendous achievement to have a car built 25% of the way into the new century that can capture the look and ambiance of their best of the Sixties and still meet all the laws.
It’s too bad it wasn’t mass-produced. That might have lowered the rumored price tag of $3-3.2 million dollars each. But just the fact that they sold them all proves Alfa Romeo is still a respected name worldwide despite their poor dealer network in the U.S.
Let us know what you think in the Comments.
THE AUTHOR Wallace Wyss, a fine arts portraitist of exotic cars will be making a portrait of the 2026 33 Stradale. Those who want to be emailed the work drawing to see if they want to order it as a 20″ x 30″ canvas print can write the author/artist at photojournalistpro2@gmail.com
Photos compliments of Alfa Romeo.
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