The Stradale rides again

Alfa Romeo designers, engineers and historians recently collaborated with 33 owners to create unique works of art, embodying the Italian brand’s capabilities.

“I was born on an air force base, maybe that’s where my love of speed and performance comes from,” said Texan Glynn Bloomquist to the Alfa Romeo team, finalising the one-off configuration of his Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale. This meeting took place at the Alfa Romeo Museum in Arese, an iconic location housing some of the world’s most beautiful cars, including the historic 33 Stradale that inspired the new custom-built model.

Bloomquist was welcomed to the Sala del Consiglio after an exclusive museum tour, where the 33 Stradale design was approved in 1967. This location is now the Bottega Alfa Romeo headquarters, symbolising style and driving experience.

Limited to 33 exclusive units, the new two-seater coupe blends heritage with the future, produced through an artisanal process with high-quality standards and attention to detail, reminiscent of Renaissance artisan boutiques and 1960s Italian coachbuilders. Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, which shaped some of the most beautiful Alfa Romeos, plays a leading role in the production of the new 33 Stradale.

Passion for American racing and the discovery of Italian motorsport

Growing up with a father passionate about American racing, Glynn Bloomquist developed a love for US motorsport. His career took him to Indianapolis, where he worked in marketing for his winery photographic company, sponsoring IndyCar races.

“I spent 10 years travelling the world with IndyCar. Some of my fondest memories are of our first driver, Jimmy Vasser, who set the speed record for a rookie in Indy 500 history at over 357km/h in 1992,” recalled Bloomquist.

His racing passion expanded to European motorsport, particularly Alfa Romeo and Ferrari. Inspired by a book about Enzo Ferrari, Bloomquist discovered Ferrari’s deep connection with Alfa Romeo, which spurred his interest in Italian motorsport. This passion led him to collect Italian cars, including a recent addition, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio 100th Anniversary edition, which he drove on the F1 track at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin in 2023.

At this event, he met Cristiano Fiorio, the head of the 33 Stradale project, who invited him to join the select group of 33 customers for the new custom-built car. “It didn’t take long to accept the idea of becoming one of the 33 customers, as long as it was red,” said Bloomquist with a smile. Fiorio added, “From the first time we met in Austin, Glynn’s engagement and passion for the project were unique.”

Configuration inspired by its forerunner, with a contemporary flair

Bloomquist’s new 33 Stradale features a multilayer Rosso Villa d’Este livery with a horizontal white band, inspired by the 1960s Tipo 33. He chose the legendary Quadrifoglio and Autodelta logos for the rear air intakes and 20-inch black alloy wheels with carbon fibre inserts. Inside, the Tributo configuration includes two-tone slate and biscuit trim, slate Alcantara upholstery and fine biscuit-coloured leather. The number 14, a tribute to Enzo Ferrari and AJ Foyt, adorns the doors and headrests.

“I can’t wait to drive my 33 Stradale and hear the sound of its 3.0L twin-turbo V6 engine with over 620hp. It won’t be locked up in the garage. In central Texas, there are fantastic streets and circuits where I race all my cars, and my Alfa Romeo custom build will be no exception,” concluded Bloomquist.

Alfa Romeo’s Sporting Exploits on American Soil

Alfa Romeo has a long history in US motorsport, marked by victories and legendary models. Tazio Nuvolari’s 1936 win in the Vanderbilt Cup in New York aboard the GP Tipo C 12C marked the brand’s first international success. Post-WW2, the 1955 Giulietta Spider, designed by Battista ‘Pinin’ Farina for the US market, symbolized a new lifestyle.

From the mid-1960s, Alfa Romeo cars like the Giulia TZ, Giulia Sprint GTAs and the “33” models dominated US circuits such as Sebring, Watkins Glen and Daytona. The 1968 hat-trick at Daytona even inspired the 1968 version of the Tipo 33/2. Notable US champions like Horts Kweck and Mario Andretti also drove Alfa Romeos, cementing the brand’s legacy in American motorsport.

Source: QuickPic