Alfa Romeo Tipo 33/3

The Alfa Romeo Tipo 33/3 was a prototype race car developed by Autodelta, Alfa Romeo’s racing division, and campaigned primarily in the World Sportscar Championship during the early 1970s. It was a key evolution in Alfa Romeo’s line of Tipo 33 sports prototypes.

Development and Introduction

The Tipo 33/3 debuted in 1969, as a successor to the original Tipo 33 and the 33/2, and marked a significant technical advancement. The “3” in its name referred to its 3-liter engine, aligning with new regulations in endurance racing.

Design and Engineering

• Chassis: Tubular space frame with a lightweight, aerodynamic fiberglass body.
• Engine: A 3.0-liter V8, initially producing around 400 hp, derived from Alfa’s Formula 1 technology. It had a flat-plane crankshaft and high-revving characteristics.
• Layout: Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive.
• Transmission: 6-speed manual gearbox.
• Weight: Approximately 700 kg (1,540 lbs).

Racing History

The Tipo 33/3 competed between 1969 and 1971, battling against dominant competitors like Porsche (917) and Ferrari (512). While it often showed great potential with competitive speed and handling, 

• 1971 was its most successful season, with notable finishes for this car:
  • 2nd at the Targa Florio
  • 1st Brands Hatch