Legendary Innovation - Continuing from our exploration of stunning concept cars built on the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale chassis, we now shift our focus to other remarkable creations from other esteemed Italian coachbuilders.
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| The 1968 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale recognized as one of the world's most beautiful cars. (Picture from: Carscoops) |
After discussing Pininfarina’s contributions, we turn to Italdesign and Bertone, two legends that brought their own unique vision to the 33 Stradale platform, creating cars that pushed the boundaries of design and performance. Each concept car was not only a technological achievement but
also a bold artistic statement reflective of its time. Here are the three concept cars:1. Alfa Romeo Iguana
Among these innovative designs, the Italdesign Iguana stands out as a harmonious blend of practicality and futurism. Debuting at the 1969 Turin Motor Show, Giorgetto Giugiaro’s creation featured a distinctive nose with a full-width opening with traditional Alfa Romeo grille and retractable headlights.
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| The 1969 Alfa Romeo Italdesign Iguana Concept by Italdesign was debuted at the 1969 Turin Motor Show. (Picture from: Supercars.net) |
Expansive glass panels gave the cabin an open and futuristic feel (they lent an unusually airy feel to the cockpit), while
spoilers and vented rear elements enhanced its aerodynamic performance. Built on chassis 750.33.116, the Iguana embodied a production-ready vision while maintaining the allure of a concept.
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| The 1969 Alfa Romeo Iguana Concept's rear deck, tail fascia, and wings were all heavily vented to improve cooling. (Picture from: SupercarNostalgia) |
Its second spoiler was located above the base of the rear window and
formed part of an unconventionally high tail. The rear deck, tail
fascia, and wings were all heavily vented to improve cooling. Built on chassis 750.33.116, the Iguana embodied a production-ready vision while maintaining the allure of a concept.
2. Alfa Romeo Carabo
The Bertone Carabo, unveiled a year earlier at the 1968 Paris Motor Show, marked a dramatic shift in automotive aesthetics. Designed by Marcello Gandini, this angular masterpiece introduced hydropneumatic scissors doors and multicolored one-way glass windows.
2. Alfa Romeo Carabo
The Bertone Carabo, unveiled a year earlier at the 1968 Paris Motor Show, marked a dramatic shift in automotive aesthetics. Designed by Marcello Gandini, this angular masterpiece introduced hydropneumatic scissors doors and multicolored one-way glass windows.
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| The 1968 Alfa Romeo Bertone Carabo designed by Marcello Gandini and built on the 33 Stradale chassis by the Stilo Bertone. (Picture from: Mad4Wheels) |
The Carabo was more than a car—it was an
experiment in solving aerodynamic challenges and redefining automotive
form, earning its name from the sleek and agile beetle. In other word, it was aimed at solving aerodynamic issues while the car was driven at high speed. |
| The 1968 Alfa Romeo Bertone Carabo was unveiled in October 1968, at Porte de Versailles in Paris. (Picture from: Mad4Wheels) |
Its mid-mounted 2.0-liter V8 engine, delivering 230 horsepower, allowed a
top speed of 155 mph.
3. Alfa Romeo Navajo
3. Alfa Romeo Navajo
Bertone continued their exploration of futuristic themes with the 1976 Navajo. Inspired by the era’s fascination with space-age technology, Nuccio Bertone crafted a car entirely from fiberglass. Its sharp, geometric lines and bold colors made it look as though it belonged in the most popular fictional science-fiction series in the late 1970s titled 'Battlestar Galactica.'
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| The 1976 Alfa Romeo Bertone Navajo designed by Nuccio Bertone and built on the 33 Stradale chassis by the Stilo Bertone. (Picture from: OtoBlitz) |
Despite its avant-garde design, the Navajo shared the same robust
2.0-liter V8 engine as its predecessors, maintaining the 33 Stradale’s
remarkable performance legacy. First showcased at the Geneva Motor Show,
the Navajo brought this extraordinary series of concept cars to a
fitting conclusion.
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| The 1976 Alfa Romeo Bertone Navajo was first introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 1976. (Picture from: OtoBlitz) |
These exceptional vehicles are now preserved in Alfa Romeo’s Museo Storico in Arese, Italy, standing as timeless reminders of the brand’s innovative spirit. Italdesign’s Iguana, Bertone’s Carabo, and Navajo each represent a unique interpretation of the 33 Stradale chassis, merging cutting-edge engineering with bold artistic expression.
The journey of these concept cars serves as a testament to the endless possibilities that arise when imagination and craftsmanship collide. As we reflect on these groundbreaking designs, their legacy continues to inspire the world of automotive innovation, proving that the pursuit of excellence is an art in itself. *** [EKA [01052020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARS.NET | SUPERCAR NOSTALGIA | DRIVETRIBE | MAD4WHEELS ]Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone
