Alfa Romeo 33
| Alfa Romeo 33 | |
|---|---|
Alfa Romeo 33 second series
|
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Alfa Romeo |
| Production | 1983–1995 |
| Assembly | Pininfarina Grugliasco plant, Italy |
| Designer |
Ermanno Cressoni (Centro Stile Alfa Romeo) Pininfarina (estate) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Small family car (C) |
| Body style | 5-door hatchback 5-door estate |
| Layout |
Longitudinal front-engine, front-wheel-drive/ |
| Related |
Alfa Romeo Alfasud Alfa Romeo Sprint |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,475 mm (97.4 in) 2,470 mm (97.2 in) (4x4) |
| Length | 4,075 mm (160.4 in) |
| Width | 1,615 mm (63.6 in) |
| Height | 1,350–1,375 mm (53.1–54.1 in) |
| Kerb weight | 890–1,070 kg (1,962–2,359 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Alfa Romeo Alfasud |
| Successor | Alfa Romeo 145 and 146 |
The Alfa Romeo 33 (Type 905 and 907) is a small family car produced by the Italian automaker Alfa Romeo between 1983 and 1995. From a mechanical standpoint it was essentially an evolution of its predecessor, the Alfasud, whose floorpan, chassis and drivetrain were carried over—albeit with modifications to the suspension and braking system. The Nissan-based Alfa Romeo Arna was launched shortly after, offering a similarly sized but lower priced car.
The 33 has a unique place in the Alfa Romeo history, as nearly 1 million of these cars were produced. During its 11-year lifespan the 33 saw a light facelift in 1986 and a significant restyle in 1989. The 33 was discontinued in 1994 and replaced by the Alfa Romeo 145 and 146, which used the same boxer engines but built around an entirely new platform based on the Fiat Tipo.
Initially known as the Alfa 33 (Type 905), the 5-door hatchback was launched in 1983 and a station wagon version (initially badged Giardinetta, later badged Sportwagon) was introduced the following year at the same time as a four-wheel drive version of the hatchback. The hatchback was styled by Ermanno Cressoni at the Centro Stile Alfa Romeo, while the station wagon was designed by Pininfarina.
The 33 became renowned for its nimble handling and powerful boxer engines, but also became equally well known for its unreliable electronics and tendencies to rust (a frequent complaint on Italian cars in general at the time). Another issue was its braking and increased unsprung weight—the Alfasud's inboard front disc brakes (mounted on the gearbox) had been moved to the more common outboard discs (mounted on the wheel hubs). The rear discs of the Sud's four-wheel disc arrangement had also been replaced with drums.
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Wikipedia