While today the boxer 4-cylinder is the specialty of Subaru Imprezas and Porsche Boxters (heh), and most famously, it powered the Volkswagen Beetle throughout its long lifecycle, Alfa Romeo is also known for its experience with the engine configuration. Alfa Romeo got its start mass-producing the boxer engine with its Alfasud models, which were produced in Naples. The Alfasuds were succeeded by the 33, which went on to sell over one million examples. Today's Alfa Romeo 33 Sport Wagon, from the second restyling of the 33 model line, is a mundane but well-kept offering from the 33 range.
We hate to muddy the waters of our loyalty - the website is Classic Italian Cars for Sale, after all - but we must admit to a certain appreciation of the Volkswagen Golf. Ok, it's our favorite hatchback. And, to our credit, it's a classic Giugiaro design. Anyway, we are reluctant to stray from our favorite, the proven classic.
In theory, the Alfa 33 appeals to us as a close second to the Golf. Now, we are sure that thousands of past owners of the 33 could convince us otherwise, and we've never had the opportunity to drive one ourselves. But, we love the basic formula. Start with the Alfasud front boxer layout and remove the inboard front brakes (and unfortunately replace the rear discs with drums). Drape it in a smart, if oddly proportioned design from Ermmano Cressoni, designer of our beloved Milano / 75. And, build it down south, near Naples.
This 1988 Alfa 33 1.5 Ti is definitely a one of a kind. This example is really unique! The car has covered a mere 16,000 Miles (26,000 km's) and it goes without saying that the car is still in mint condition. The car has always been stored in dry conditions. Recently imported from Portugal it is now for sale in Dallas Texas USA. As mentioned, the car is in mint condition and so are the mechanicals. The original instruction and maintenance booklets have been preserved. Must see/drive to appreciate!! Still have original tires!
Click to view listing
A facelift model, this example sports the updated clear turn signal lenses both up front and in the rear. At first, we were curious whether the clear rear turn signal lenses were original or not, just because they really look like something from the 1990s aftermarket. Turns out that they are original. Moving on to the drivetrain, power is adequate for this lightweight, coming in at 1053bhp. Nothing to scorch the earth, but respectable when compared to a contemporary 8V GTI.
With minimal footprint on US soil, this car may very well see an outsized hammer price. The Europeans reading this might find that odd, but the 16,000 original miles and general condition of the car make it sort of worth a bit of irrational bidding. Great or merely adequate in its day, it's now an anomaly without many competitors, and would make for an entertaining addition to the right collection (or driveway)!
