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As I write this, I’ve just stepped out of a session where I had the chance to create my own dream specification for the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale. Every one of the 33 fortunate customers has gone through this same process — the level of personalisation is virtually limitless. If you can imagine it and it’s technically possible, Alfa Romeo will make it happen. However, the brand remains tight-lipped about the final cost once your unique configuration is complete.

Interestingly, every example of the 33 Stradale was sold out not merely before the car’s official reveal, but even before its final design and approval by Alfa Romeo and Stellantis executives. It’s a supercar priced around £2 million from a company that also sells a £30,000 crossover — yet somehow, it feels perfectly justified wearing the famous Alfa badge. And, importantly, it delivers on that promise.

To recap, prospective buyers — mostly collectors and long-time Alfa enthusiasts — first saw early sketches of the 33 Stradale in 2022 and responded enthusiastically. Their feedback genuinely shaped the car’s design. Alfa Romeo then formed a dedicated committee, called the Bottega, to oversee this limited-series project. Camilla Rostagno, who leads the Bottega, described the team’s approach: “We were like a start-up — agile and fast.”

By the time the 33 Stradale was officially shown in 2023, the first customer delivery had already been scheduled for 17 December 2024. That’s a rapid timeline, much to the surprise of chief engineer Jean-Philippe Delaire — formerly a key figure in Citroën’s WRC programme and later responsible for the Peugeot 508 PSE.

Rostagno, speaking at Alfa’s Balocco test track between Milan and Turin, explained that being part of Stellantis had clear advantages. “It allowed us to use best-in-class hardware,” she said. “We had something solid to start with, and then we worked to make it a true Alfa Romeo.”

The foundation for this new two-seat, mid-engined coupé is none other than the Maserati MC20 — a car that some sources claim was initially intended to be an Alfa project. Using the MC20’s underpinnings gave the 33 Stradale a proven supercar platform while allowing Alfa to imbue it with its own character. The result is a car so exclusive that more than 50 hopeful buyers remain on a waiting list, should another opportunity arise.

Underneath the 33 Stradale’s sculpted bodywork — where buyers can even choose whether to have the rear wing section cut away or left intact — lies the carbonfibre monocoque from the Maserati MC20 Cielo convertible. Alfa selected this version because its lower structure provides greater rigidity than the MC20 coupé’s. Above it, Alfa engineers added an aluminium X-frame to support the roof and hinge points for the distinctive butterfly doors, increasing stiffness and eliminating lift at high speeds.

At the rear, a reinforced MC20 aluminium subframe houses a modified version of Maserati’s 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine. It produces 621bhp at 7500rpm and drives the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential. Stopping power comes from by-wire carbon-ceramic brakes with 390mm front and 360mm rear discs, while 20-inch alloy wheels — available in three designs — wear Bridgestone Potenza tyres (245/35 ZR20 front, 305/30 ZR20 rear). The double-wishbone suspension setup is derived from the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA, tuned specifically for the 33 Stradale.

Two drive modes are available: Strada and Pista. In Pista, the ESC can be deactivated, and the adaptive dampers switch from soft or medium (in Strada) to hard or a firmer medium setting. Production is handled by Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera and remains an intricate, hand-built process. The final of the 33 units will roll out late next year.

Our early drive came at Alfa’s invitation — partly to highlight that the Bottega division was officially established in November to handle low-volume and bespoke projects for both Alfa Romeo and Maserati (the MCXtrema being the latter’s first example). It’s also a teaser for Alfa’s next limited-production car expected later this year.

The example I drove was finished in light metallic blue, sitting on gold heritage wheels with a rich biscuit and brown Alcantara and leather interior. It’s a spectacular combination, but I’d probably change my mind by tomorrow — deciding on a specification for such a car is no easy task. Some customers have spent over eight hours fine-tuning their choices, while others call back days later with revisions. One even had to reconsider after his wife disapproved of the final design — proof that even billionaires aren’t free from domestic vetoes.

So what’s it like behind the wheel of this exquisite Italian creation? To begin with, it feels special. The expansive glass area makes the cockpit airy despite the compact size, and the low scuttle gives a clear view of those flowing front wings. Delaire reminded me that this particular car is ‘car zero’ — the only prototype — meaning production examples will feature several refinements. “We didn’t have few-off quality levels when we started,” Rostagno admitted. “We built a new benchmark around this type of car.”

Inside, material quality is outstanding. The only minor flaw early on was a slightly uneven fabric join on the dashboard, which has since been corrected. Lessons were learned along the way — for instance, the door release button originally wasn’t strong enough for those who pulled on the small leather strap to close the door, and the retractable touchscreen mechanism for climate and audio controls has been reinforced. The vents are hidden behind a diagonal trim line, so their direction can’t be adjusted, but that hardly detracts from the experience. The aluminium toggle switches and rotary controls on the centre console and overhead panel are tactile delights, with the start-stop knob being one of the best-feeling switches in any car.

The minimalist aluminium steering wheel features no buttons, just three spokes — a rarity in modern cars and a joy to behold. It’s clear that the 33 development team took quiet satisfaction in setting a trend that others are now following.

In performance terms, the 33 Stradale comfortably earns its supercar credentials. It reaches 207mph (333kph) and sprints from 0-62mph in 3.0 seconds. Its 3.0-litre V6 lacks hybrid assistance, and the car weighs around 1600kg. There’s storage space up front and behind the engine (though the latter area gets hot). Aerodynamic elements are designed to keep the car neutral in terms of lift and downforce — meaning it’s more about balance and purity than outright track aggression.

Owners have been pleasantly surprised by how approachable and refined the 33 is to drive. My own experience on Alfa’s Balocco handling circuit — smooth, warm and dusty — revealed a car that feels alive yet manageable. The 33 Stradale channels the spirit of the Maserati MC20 but with a distinctly Alfa character: engaging, direct, and unfiltered, yet a touch more sophisticated.

The engine pulls hard from low revs, with only mild turbo lag. It’s remarkably vocal for a turbocharged six-cylinder that meets Euro 6 standards and uses particulate filters. Delaire’s goal was to make it sound as evocative as the old V8-powered 8C — an almost unfair comparison, but one the V6 meets impressively. The 33’s ride is supple yet communicative, with more firmness and feedback in Pista mode that suits circuit driving perfectly.

Steering feel is precise and communicative, lighter than that of a Porsche yet full of feedback. With just over two turns lock-to-lock, it’s quick but stable. On the limit, it transitions into gentle understeer, as expected from a well-balanced mid-engined car. The brake pedal is firm — “If you don’t press the pedal, the car won’t stop,” Delaire quips — but modulation is easy, and the electronic differential helps the car hook up cleanly on exit.

Ultimately, the 33 Stradale inspires confidence. It feels trustworthy, engaging, and beautifully engineered. It’s no wonder that even those who view it as a collector’s item have come away delighted. If I were ordering one myself, perhaps next time I’d go for a metallic olive green finish.

Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale

Verdict: A masterpiece inside and out. It drives with the agility and poise of the Maserati MC20 yet adds Alfa’s elegance and soul. A fascinating project, executed with passion and precision.