History, elegance, and Italian know-how. How Alfa Romeo won over visitors to the “Chantilly Arts & Élégance Richard Mille” Concours d'Élégance
The seventh edition of “Chantilly Arts & Élégance Richard Mille,” the renowned Concours d'Élégance that pairs the automotive world with that of art and elegance, has now drawn to a close.
Founded in 2014 and always hosted at the Domaine du Château de Chantilly in Hauts-de-France, the exclusive event has quickly become better known among the public and insiders, to the point of reaching the same level as the prestigious events held at Pebble Beach (USA) and Villa d’Este (Italy).
Alfa Romeo paid homage to the French event by putting on display three highly appealing models: the new Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, an authentic ‘manifesto’ of the Italian brand’s capabilities – now and in the future – in terms of style and driving experience; the renowned 1971 33 Spider Cuneo style prototype, usually on show at the Alfa Romeo History Museum in Arese; and the brand-new Junior, the model marking the return of the global Italian brand to the largest segment in Europe, which made its debut at the same time as the eagerly awaited open days at French dealerships over the weekend.
The three cars drew excited visitors into the display area set up in the refined jardin à la française designed by André Le Nôtre, one of the major attractions at the Château de Chantilly, revealing the subtle common thread that binds Alfa Romeo's mechanical creations of the past and present. The style prototype of the new Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale was making its debut at a public event in France, giving visitors the opportunity to admire the common thread that is propelling the founding values of Alfa Romeo’s heritage into the future.
Finally, it is worth noting that “Chantilly Arts & Élégance Richard Mille” is the relaunch of the concours d’élégance format created in France in the 1920s, when the cars on display were accompanied by a mannequin dressed up by a fashion house. In recent years, Alfa Romeo has always been represented at the Chantilly concours by cars belonging to private collectors, winning the title of “Best of Show” in 2016 with a magnificent 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Berlinetta Touring.
Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale: daring to dream
To make a dream come true, the essential ingredient is a good dose of courage and a pinch of healthy madness. This was the same recipe as for the car considered by many to be among the most beautiful ever: the 33 Stradale, launched in 1967. Today, with the same boldness and vision, the Alfa Romeo team has designed and developed the new 33 Stradale, an authentic work of art in motion, the upshot of the perfect combination of beauty and technology. Its goal is to provide the most exciting driving experience and the immortal charm of an icon to a very small circle of enthusiasts, who have believed in the project ever since the outset. The new 33 Stradale was created at the newly founded Alfa Romeo “Bottega,” where the brand’s designers, engineers and historians first met the 33 buyers to make a joint decision on their ideal configuration, exactly the same way as in Renaissance artisan boutiques, in the workshops of renowned Italian coachbuilders in the 20th century, when Alfa Romeo modeled its creations with the collaboration of these entities, all unique in the world. One of these was the renowned Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, which went on to leave its mark on some of the most beautiful Alfa Romeos of all time and now plays a leading role in the production of the new 33 Stradale. In short, the 33 project skillfully combines artisan processes, technological innovation and customer's wishes, to create something unique and unrepeatable.
Alfa Romeo 33 Spider Cuneo – 1971
Taking it directly from the racing Sport car, in 1968 Alfa Romeo marketed the 33 Stradale, with magnificent bodywork designed by Franco Scaglione. However, the prestige of the mechanics would soon also attract other designers, at a time when ‘dream cars’ with futuristic lines were featuring at international motor shows. After Bertone’s Carabo, Pininfarina’s P33 Roadster and 33/2 Coupé Speciale, and the Italdesign Iguana, Pininfarina interpreted the Alfa chassis for the last time at Brussels in 1971, with the 33 Spider that would later be named “Cuneo.” This prototype used the chassis that had already given rise to the P33 Roadster, the bodywork of which was dismantled and replaced by a perfect wedge shape with taut and angular lines. The few round edges left on the mudguard hinted at the width of the tires, while the only truly curved part was the windshield which – like a low and streamlined shell but wrapping around like the visor of a helmet – rose slightly from the taut lines of the sides.
Alfa Romeo Junior, sportiness goes compact
Also featuring at the French event, the new Alfa Romeo Junior, an authentically cool and unique object that combines a captivating style with the most advanced technology in terms of comfort, connectivity, and driving dynamics. The new Junior is also available in hybrid and electric configurations, without distinctions in terms of aesthetics or equipment, because the only thing that matters is the fact it is 100% Alfa Romeo. Recently, the Junior Hybrid and Junior Electric made their debut; the two new entry versions equipped respectively with a 136-hp hybrid engine and a 156-hp electric motor join the Junior Speciale, the launch version that comes with a selection of the best specifications on offer in the line-up. Anticipation is also rising for the debut of the brand-new 100% electric Junior VELOCE 280CV, the line-up's epitome of sportiness. In July, the same version featured in adrenaline-fueled pre-type-approval testing at the iconic Balocco Proving Ground. And the first reviews from the experts who tested it are extremely positive.
