Photographed with the precious collaboration of the Museo Storico Alfa Romeo 🙏🏻
Special thanks to Raffaella Quaquaro and Lorenzo Ardizio for their help and their disponibility!
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The Alfa Romeo 33/2 Coupe Speciale is a rare gem in the world of classic cars, with a captivating history that reflects both innovation and collaboration. Born out of a surplus of naked chassis from the commercial flop of the Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 Stradale, this unique vehicle underwent a remarkable transformation thanks to the expertise of Italian design studios and the influence of the iconic Ferrari 250 P5.
Originally, Alfa Romeo intended to produce 50 Stradales to qualify for the Group 4 Sports car class. However, due to its high cost, only 13 Stradale road cars were completed, two of which were prototypes. Determined to give new life to the surplus chassis, five of them were sent to Italy’s premier design studios for the creation of exclusive bodies.
The first to make its debut was the Bertone Carabo at the Paris Motor Show in October 1968. Its futuristic design and distinctive features captured the attention of car enthusiasts. Soon after, Pininfarina unveiled the P33 Roadster at the Turin Motor Show, followed by the 33/2 Coupe Speciale, also designed by Pininfarina, at the Paris Motor Show in October 1969.
The 33/2 Coupe Speciale shared considerable similarities with the Ferrari 250 P5, which had been unveiled by Pininfarina in 1968. The chassis of the P5, originally built for a unique Ferrari competition car, served as the basis for the 33/2 Coupe Speciale.
During the conversion process, the P5’s distinctive features were modified to create the 33/2 Coupe Speciale. The headlights were replaced with retractable pods on each front fender, while the wraparound slats and sculpted engine cooling ducts were removed. The pontoon fenders, cutaway body sections, and gullwing doors were retained, giving the car its iconic appearance.
Inside, the cockpit underwent a complete transformation, featuring a left-hand drive configuration and a full-width alcantara dash with carefully laid-out instrumentation. The seats were adorned with brown leather bolsters and green tartan velour centers, creating a unique and stylish interior.
Mechanically, the 33/2 Coupe Speciale remained unchanged from the standard Stradale, utilizing the big tubed perimeter chassis of the 1967 Tipo 33 racer. The suspension, brakes, and transmission were also carried over, ensuring a dynamic driving experience.
After its debut at the 1969 Paris Motor Show, the 33/2 Coupe Speciale made a few more appearances before finding its place in the Alfa Romeo Museo Storico, where it remains an iconic symbol of automotive design and craftsmanship.
In conclusion, the Alfa Romeo 33/2 Coupe Speciale stands as a testament to the ingenuity of Italian design studios and the perseverance of Alfa Romeo. With its striking appearance, exceptional performance, and unique history, this extraordinary vehicle continues to captivate enthusiasts and serve as a timeless symbol of automotive excellence.