Once upon a time the European marque Alfa Romeo enjoyed considerable success in motorsport, with both Sportscars (LeMans type) and open wheelers (Formula One). Indeed, a young Enzo Ferrari raced Alfa Romeos and ultimately fielded the unofficial team prior to WWII. Though Alfa Romeo does not have the elite pedigree of its Modenese cousin, one, ultra rare and ultra expensive sportscar derived road going car was released to the public in 1967.
That car was the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.
The engine was mid mounted, of a small (2.0 litre) capacity, but developed 230 hp (170 kW). The car was exceedingly light, at 700 kg, and this provided the car with electrifying performance.
Many successful racecars have been attempted to translate to road use, but the Alfa was particularly well executed. The sportscar body work was removed, and a delicate study in metal forming was draped over the carryover chassis. The entire front end of the car tilted out the way to reveal the spare wheel, whilst a similar arrangement was used at the rear to provide access to the mid-mounted engine. Doors too, were unusual, their dihedral mechanism lifting them up, out and forward. Glazing was almost 360 degrees open in front and above the driver. The glassed rear window provided a view of the eight inlet trumpets on top of the engine.
The car was tiny. About the same footprint as a modern Ford Fiesta hatchback, but only 37 inches (93 cm) tall, a full 3 inches lower than the fabled Ford GT40.
The cockpit was minimalist but purposeful.
It is a great pity that the car did not meet with greater commercial success, for only a scant 18 vehicle were built. Perhaps the lack of pedigree, or the diminutive 2.0 litre V8 were to blame.
The design evolved during the short run of cars, gaining additional air venting in the front and rear, losing lights and gaining bright trim. The pure shape remained during the time however, and has left us with a minute, priceless jewel.
The story.....
I walk out of the bar. A low form is packed near a Ford SUV left by its owner after a few too many drinks to drive.
She pushes her key fob, the engine fires. A stacato wail until the revs settle.
"Neat", I say. "Idiot!" I replay in my head.
She laughs.
My lips mouth "Bella Machina!", an exclaimation usually reserved for Ferraris.
Yet this car desrves more. It is tiny, and gorgeous. The small headlights seem somewhat feeble.
My companion quickly folds herself down into the driver's seat after arcing the door up and over the car.
My eyebrow are raised.
"Where do you get a car like this?" I ask quizically, still unable to believe the sight before me.
"Pebble Beach Concours - its on thos next weekend."
"But how?", I say struggling to comprehend.
"Andrea Cavallari, Alfa Romeo Noth America, customer liason." She says, matter-of-factly, but with a twinkle in her eyes. "Its not mine - I'm just borrowing it."
Again she laughs a lilted laugh. "I would offer you a ride, but...". She looks me up and down "... I don't think you'ed fit."
No I wouldn't, as much as I hoped that I could (if ever again).
She laughs again. She looks more serious this time. "I'll never forget you."
This is something I can dfinitely agree with. I look a little less confused, smile, and say "Likewise."
She pulls the down down over her head. Revs the eagre engine, and pulls out onto the street.
Obviously enjoying the experience, she lets the engine howl as she accelerates away, snatching the shifts and opening he throttle wide after each change.
"I'll never forget you either." I say to noone in particular. Wow, what an evening. "When is Pebble Beach Concours on again?". Again this is spoken to noone in particular.
Later I read that Alfa Romeo is the featured marque, celebrating 100 years, the Stradale as featured car.
I guess that only come along once a lifetime.
My image of Andrea, legs askew as she climbed down over the sill of the little car remains with me.
"Lithe." That is the word I have been looking for. For both the car and the woman, as if they were both created to define it.
Lithe.
The model.
The lego miniland scale (1:21) model has been created for LUGNuts 50th birthday challenge - "the stuff dreams are made of". The car is very small (Fiesta sized) and low. The model features the coil sprung pull-back lego motor, mid mounted, and front suspension. The bodywork opens, as per the real car, revealing the engine, spare wheel and cockpit. Lego LED light units are somehow squeezind into the front nosecone.
All wrapped up in a dainted red body and open glazing.
This is my last model for this challenge. I'd like to thank to LUGNuts coordinators for offering such an awesome challenge. All the entries are awesome, and I have thoughroughly enjoyed participating.
Celebrating LUGNuts 50th - thanks Lino, Nathan and the moderators for all your effort, encouragement, criticism and awesome models.
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