By 1967 when all, if not most enthusiasts had come to understand that Alfa Romeo did not make racing sports cars, (the Alfa TZ1 and 2 of 1963-67 were GT race cars) exactly such a car was revealed. The president of Alfa Romeo had held a small meeting in 1967 where he asked Carlo Chiti, the technical director at Auto Delta, to design a 2-liter V8 sports car for racing.
This challenge was slow in reaping good results and victories. Times had changed and it was different from Alfa Romeo's golden days when a new racing car would win on its maiden outing. The first victory was finally attained with the 3-liter version in the 1971 BOAC Brands Hatch 1000Km with de Adamich/Pescarolo. Another win followed three races later at the Targa Florio with Vaccarella/Hezemanns. But it would not be until 1975 that Alfa Romeo won the World Championship for Sports Cars, with participation ending in 1977.
And one of these for the street, please. The Type 33 Stradale was an example
of what an enthusiastic automaker like Alfa Romeo could do. Eighteen were
produced between 1967 and 1969. (S/N 10533012)
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During all this, a small number of Tipo 33 Stradales, road versions of the World Championship racecar, were built in 1968. The wheelbase was lengthened by four inches and the 1995cc V8 DOHC twin plug engine was developed to 230hp at 8800rpm for road use. In the late 60's, there were not many sports cars directly based on racing cars, and actually built by a renowned marque. With the distinctly voluptuous body created by Franco Scaglione the car is still very much treasured today.
In recent years, Alfa Romeo has made another great comeback on the track, but this time with their touring cars equipped with the latest high-tech equipment and technology. The 155 DTM with a DOHC V6 2500cc engine driving the front wheels (FWD) took Nannini to two wins and Larini to ten and the driver's title, with Alfa Romeo winning the manufacturer's Championship against the strong Mercedes-Benz 190. (On display was S/N 43811.)
The 156 Super Turismo is Alfa's latest weapon. The V6 60 degree DOHC engine with 2492cc is now mounted transversally. The Alfa is again on top of the point rankings after the halfway-point in the FIA European Super Touring Championship. (On display was S/N 001.)
Founded in 1910, the Alfa Romeo has one of the longest active histories in the world of the automobile, where thousands of makes have come and gone. It's said Henry Ford always tipped his hat when an Alfa Romeo passed by. Alfa Romeo is certainly a special marque.
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Mitch Isobe has been in love with Ferraris and things Italian since 1961, and combines his hobby with his profession as a translator. He has recently translated Keith Bluemel's Original Ferrari V-12 for the Japanese market. He has also authored his own book, the "Ferrari V-12" for Miki Press.
