Here’s a look at the latest Alfa Romeo 4C Spider model for North America – the Robb Report

33 Stradale from Alfa Romeo is the most beautiful piece of Italian sculpture created in the 20th century. Such a bold statement could be argued, but not easily rejected. The fact that Franco Scaglione’s design was made in only 18 examples, built from 1967 to 1969, in no way diminishes the aesthetic impact of this heroic supercar – if diminutive. This was because in his day, 33 Stradale (Italian for “road”) set the fastest time for the kilometer standing.

Its foundations come from the Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 race car, wrapped in a gorgeous body built by Carrozzeria Marazzi, a small Milanese manufacturer that had a hand in many interesting projects, including Islero from Lamborghini from the same period. 33 Stradale also presented, for the first time on a production car, dihedral doors that are seen today on so many exotics. Now, the reflection of the most beautiful road car ever made by Alfa Romeo is evident in the new 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo, made to honor its legendary central engine forerunner.

While the original 33 Stradale was powered by the ferocious 2.0-liter V-8 Alpha engine and tuned for about 227 hp, the Stradale Tributo adds ten more horses with a 1,750 cc inline-four engine. A wedge weight, the small 4C tilts the scale to less than 2500 pounds and is good for a sprint from zero to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Few cars offer as much fun for the seat as the Alfa Romeo 4C. Once incorporated into the carbon fiber monocoque, drivers are treated with a kart-like maneuver and the visceral fist of a 237 hp blender engine that screams just inches from the seat.

Some less subtle design touches make the 33 Stradale Tributo even more special. Each example is finished with exclusive exterior paint Rosso Villa d’Este, a bright metallic red, familiar to all who have seen modern Alfa concepts at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy. The red theme is taken right on the carbon fiber monocoque chassis, which, for the first time, shines with a transparent red finish.

In homage to the iconic Campagnolo rims from 33 Stradale, the 18- and 19-inch design for Tributo has five deep holes and are finished in a gold-gray color scheme, just like the originals. Bi-Xenon headlights, adjustable travel suspension and central exhaust Akrapovič add extra performance to the vehicle. Dynamic black suede sports seats and Dynamic tobacco leather are essential elements of the interior, as are the special plates: the one on the center console that carries a sequential number.

With only 33 copies coming to the States and priced at $ 79,995, this is certainly the highest rarity in the brand’s most exclusive model range, which was launched in 2014. It is also the last of the 4C Spider run in North America.