In order to keep the momentum of the razzmatazz at the Alfa Romeo's booth at the current-run Motor Expo 2004 , also as suggested by the good WebMaster , I will add the final closing of " The RETRO STORY " with the " 8C Competizione Retro " . And to pay respect to Alfa Romeo ….as the mark of excellence that adore by people of all walk of life.

And here is my story ……….

When I have my first look at the 8C Competizione , my memory bank went back to 1968, the picture in my mind was one of the BEST looking GT cars ever come out of the Alfa Romeo's gate.

It was called , Tipo33 Stradale

This Alfa Romeo had enjoyed many MOST titles in Alfa Romeo's history during that time. Let me give you some examples;

The Fastest of all Alfa Romeo cars ; it could do 280 kph. That was the Ferrari's territory

The Most expensive car listed ; it was quoted at $ 17,000 , and it was almost $ 3,000 more than Lamborghini Miura

The Most Beautiful GT ever ………..even until today !

Alfa Romeo had prepared 18 chassis of this Tipo 33 Stradale in order to keep the exclusivity level highest possible. They wishes were granted , as in the end only 12 Tipo 33 Stradale were actually produced. Franco Scaglione , a car designer who had great many designs while he was at Bertone and also at Zagato , was assigned by Alfa Romeo to create a very beautiful body on those chassis.

And of those 12 cars , in today world only 8 are found in good health ; 2 cars are in Alfa Romeo Museum , 3 cars are in America , 2 cars in Japan and 1 in France. All in private garage.

It won't be a complete story on this Tipo 33 Stradale if the POWER is not mentioned . Yes, this Alfa Romeo is something else. The Tipo 33's have a V8 / 4 Cams all-alloy engine , 4 direct coils ( very advance in those days ) , fuel injection ( reliability vs. Webers ) , twin plugs to each cylinder , all producing a strong 250 hp @ 9600 rpm.

My gosh……9600 rpm……..even today cars still find it's hard to top those rev.

Cost of the Tipo 33 Stradale today ?..............Don't mention it …………..

Now ….we come to the Alfa Super Car of the Millennium……….

The 8C Competizione

After surviving ups and downs….( mostly downs….) Alfa Romeo have been receiving a healthy dose. First …from FIAT…..then from General Motor…….. And as the money keeps flowing in , It was time to show the world what Alfa Romeo can do with the SUPER CARS.The 8C Competizione was first introduced to the press on Sept 9 , 2003 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It was designed by Centro Stile , an in-house Alfa Romeo group of designers. It carries the front expression of the Tipo 33 Stradale and a minor influence of the Giulia TZ at the back.

As for the name , it derives from the antique racing car of the 50's ; The 6C Competizione , a sport coupe race car that was made famous by Fangio and Zanardi. The decision to carry on the familiarity
is to encourage the extension of the racing heritage.

In terms of power , this 8C Competizione has , also , a V8 @ 4.2 litre , all alloy , turbo-charged, producing 400 hp @ 7000 rpm. Couple with a 6-speed manual transmission , it can top a speed of 300 kph.

My Comments

Alfa Romeo always like to tease Alfista with beautiful GranTouring Cars. It also always ended up as a one-off design exercise. Let me give you some examples;

From each of the above-mentioned cars some was just a concept while some were lucky enough to have gone through some limited production. But there is one thing in common , they all demand a VERY...VERY high price today !

Please use " Google " to search for pictures of the above cars and see for yourself….the beauty of each…….

Local Scene

I don't know who ever initiate the appearance of 8C Competizione at the Motor Expo. But whoever, I want to give a very big hand to those who made the decision.

It was a good show at the press day at Alfa Romeo Booth , it looked as if all the cameras were pointed toward the 8C …….

I was standing very near the car…..getting into a reall good position to have a good short . But all hell broke loose when the curtain came down ……everybody rushed to have the best pictures of the 8C Competizione.

My graphic work on the 8C Competizione Retro….is a dedication to this wonderful mark……..

Alfa Romeo

Ciao ,

Romeo
Bangkok , December 2004