In the early 1960s Alfa Romeo began development of what would become one of their greatest race car successes, but not without years of trial and error.
Making its debut on the track in 1967, the TIPO 33 was Alfa Romeo’s best effort at the time to compete on the European racing circuit. While initial successes included a win at its first Belgian hill climbing event, the car proved to be too unreliable for the World SportsCar Championships. However, by the following year, some of the kinks were worked out of the design and Alfa was able to overtake Porsche in the 2-liter class. This was clearly enough to prove to the Italian automaker that they were on to something good and enough cars were produced for homologation in the 1969 season.
After years of development and many different iterations, Alfa Romeo finally found the winning combination and the 33 TT 12 was born. With a tubular chassis, a 500-horsepower 3.0-liter engine, and some of the era’s most legendary drivers behind the wheel, the car won at Monza and finished second overall in the championships. Although the very next year, the 33 TT 12 almost completely dominated the track and won the World SportsCar Championships.
Now you can add one of these pieces of legendary Italian automotive history to your collection. This stunning red 1974 ALFA ROMEO TIPO 33 TT 12 is scheduled for Bonham’s Quail Ridge Auction. It is being offered as part of the Judge DiLoreto Collection and it has quite the history as displayed by the Campari livery. Former drivers include Henri Pescarolo and Derek Bell and the car boasts victories at Spa, Zeltweg, and Watkins Glen. For more information on this car or how to register to place your bid click here. If you would like to learn how to consign your car at the Pebble Beach Auction click here.
