SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 02, 2024 – Alfa Romeo recently participated in the prestigious Chantilly Arts & Élégance Richard Mille, a renowned Concours d'Élégance held at the Château de Chantilly in Hauts-de-France, France. The event, now in its seventh year, has become a must-see for automotive enthusiasts and industry insiders, rivaling the likes of Pebble Beach and Villa d’Este.
Alfa Romeo seized the opportunity to showcase its past, present, and future. The spotlight was firmly on the new 33 Stradale, a car that embodies the brand's commitment to both heritage and innovation. As the company stated, the 33 Stradale is "an authentic ‘manifesto’ of the Italian brand’s capabilities – now and in the future – in terms of style and driving experience."
Alongside this modern masterpiece, Alfa Romeo displayed two other iconic models: the 1971 33 Spider Cuneo prototype, a stunning example of automotive design from the Alfa Romeo History Museum in Arese, and the new Junior, marking Alfa Romeo's return to the popular compact segment.
The New 33 Stradale: A Dream Realized
The new 33 Stradale is more than just a car; it's a testament to Alfa Romeo's daring spirit and unwavering pursuit of automotive excellence. "To make a dream come true, the essential ingredient is a good dose of courage and a pinch of healthy madness," Alfa Romeo declared. This philosophy is clearly embodied in the 33 Stradale, a car that seamlessly blends breathtaking beauty with cutting-edge technology.
Created at the newly established Alfa Romeo "Bottega," the 33 Stradale is the result of a unique collaborative process. Designers, engineers, and historians worked closely with 33 passionate buyers to create a truly bespoke vehicle. This approach harkens back to the Renaissance artisan workshops and the golden age of Italian coachbuilding, where Alfa Romeo collaborated with renowned carrozzerie like Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, which played a key role in the 33 Stradale's production.
A Legacy of Innovation: The 33 Spider Cuneo
The 1971 33 Spider Cuneo prototype on display at Chantilly served as a reminder of Alfa Romeo's rich history of innovation. Based on the 33 Stradale launched in 1967 with its iconic bodywork by Franco Scaglione, the 33 Spider Cuneo represents a unique interpretation of the 33 chassis.
This prototype, with its distinctive wedge shape and sharp lines, showcases the creativity and ingenuity that have always been hallmarks of Alfa Romeo design. "The few round edges left on the mudguard hinted at the width of the tires, while the only truly curved part was the windshield which – like a low and streamlined shell but wrapping around like the visor of a helmet – rose slightly from the taut lines of the sides."
The Alfa Romeo Junior: Sportiness Redefined
The Chantilly event also marked an important step for Alfa Romeo's future with the showcasing of the new Junior. This compact model offers a compelling blend of style, technology, and driving dynamics. Available in hybrid and electric configurations, the Junior caters to a new generation of drivers while staying true to Alfa Romeo's sporty DNA.
The Junior lineup includes the Hybrid and Electric versions, offering efficient and dynamic performance. However, anticipation is building for the upcoming Junior VELOCE 280CV, a fully electric variant that promises exhilarating performance. Early tests at the Balocco Proving Ground have generated positive reviews, hinting at the Junior VELOCE's potential to redefine sportiness in the compact segment.
Alfa Romeo's Enduring Presence at Chantilly
Alfa Romeo has a strong connection with the Chantilly Arts & Élégance Richard Mille. The event itself is a revival of the classic concours d’élégance format that originated in France in the 1920s, where cars were presented alongside high fashion. Alfa Romeo has consistently been represented at Chantilly, even winning the coveted "Best of Show" award in 2016 with a magnificent 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Berlinetta Touring.
By showcasing its heritage, current offerings, and future ambitions at Chantilly, Alfa Romeo reaffirmed its position as a leading force in the automotive world. The 33 Stradale, the 33 Spider Cuneo, and the new Junior represent different facets of Alfa Romeo's DNA: a passion for design, a commitment to innovation, and a dedication to delivering an unparalleled driving experience