Alfa Romeo at the 2015 New York Auto Show

Alfa Romeo had a spectacular display at the 2015 New York Auto Show. In addition to the new Alfa Romeo 4C Spider and Coupe, already considered modern classics, Alfa treated visitors to three of their legendary performance cars. On display was a 1965 Alfa Romeo TZ2, 1933 8C 2300 Monza, and a 1968 T33 Stradale. Seeing these cars in person is a rare opportunity - probably a once in a lifetime event.

Alfa Romeo had their tantalizing new 4C Spider on hand at the show. The production version of the open-top Alfa Romeo 4C made its world debut at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show in January and is due out this summer. The 4C Spider shown was finished in Giallo Prototipo and looked gorgeous.

Hand made at the Maserati factory in Modena, Italy, the 4C is constructed largely out of exotic materials typically reserved for cars that cost well over six figures. The performance of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is nearly identical to the 4C Coupe because the weight gain from adding the convertible top is just 22 lbs over the coupe.

A 4C Coupe in Rosso Competizione was displayed alongside the carbon fiber chassis that makes up the backbone of the car and is a key to the 4C's outstanding performance.

Click to view larger image

Alfa Romeo: The Future Belongs to Those With a Great Past

The Alfa Romeo TZ2 above is one of only 12 built. This purpose built sports racing car is powered by a 1,570 cc, 4 cylinder all aluminum, double overhead cam engine with a twin plug head, which produces 170 hp at 7,000 rpm. When combined with a weight of only 1,367 lbs, you have a car with outstanding performance and a top speed of over 150 mph.

The initials TZ2 stand for Tubolare Zagato and refer to the tubular space frame chassis used and the designer - Zagato. The number 2 in the name designates this is a second version TZ that sports updated bodywork. The original Alfa Romeo TZ debuted in 1963. The Alfa Romeo TZ2 is valued in the range of $2.25 million to $4 million or more.

The 1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza displayed is a member of automotive royalty. A legendary race car, the 8C 2300 used a straight 8 cylinder, all aluminum double-overhead cam engine complete with supercharger, to power the car to a top speed reportedly in the vicinity of 140 mph. Few cars in its era matched the performance and handling of the 8C, and it was virtually unbeatable on a race track. The exact number of cars built is in question, maybe fewer than 10 and they are valued somewhere between $6.5 - $8.5 million.

The 1968 T33 Stradale. It would be enough to say that the Alfa Romeo T33 Stradale is considered by many automotive designers as the most beautiful car ever, but this automobile is more than just looks. In 1968, it was the quickest commercially available car in terms of the standing start kilometer with a time of 24.0 seconds according to Auto, Motor und Sport magazine in Germany.

Designed by Franco Scaglione, the aluminum-bodied T33 Stradale weighed approximately 1,543 lbs and used an all aluminum, 2 liter, 4 cam V8 that produced between 230 - 254 horsepower. The lightweight concept and overall shape is the inspiration for the modern 4C coupe we have today. The T33 Stradale is valued at over $10 million.

Today, Alfa Romeo is for all intents a standalone company in the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles empire. Run by ex-Ferrari managers and engineers, the company has been charged with producing a range of new cars that set the standard as they have done in the past and live up to the legendary name of Alfa Romeo.

Discuss this story and view more Alfa Romeo images from the New York Auto Show on the Fiat 500 USA Forum

Read more about Alfa Romeo

Sources:
8C 2300 Monza image courtesy of Alfa Romeo USA
Gooding and Company
The Rob Report
Top Car Ratings
Alfa Romeo Guide, Joe Benson, Motorbooks International

#alfa #alfa4c #alfaromeo Alfa Romeo Alfa Romeo 4C Car Shows New York Auto Show -

5 ( 88 ratings )

- Saturday, April 11, 2015