The Alfa Romeo 33 (Type 905 and 907) is a small family car produced by Alfa Romeo from 1983 to 1995. Mechanically an evolution of the Alfasud, it kept the flat-four boxer engines, and nearly one million were built. It was replaced by the 145 and 146.
Alfa Romeo 33 at a glance
| Production | 1983–1995; nearly 1 million built |
|---|---|
| Body | 5-door hatchback; station wagon (Giardinetta, later Sportwagon) from 1984 |
| Design | hatchback by Ermanno Cressoni (Centro Stile Alfa Romeo); wagon by Pininfarina |
| Platform | floorpan, chassis and drivetrain from the Alfasud |
| Launch engines | 1,350 cc 76 PS at 6,000 rpm and the 1.5 Quadrifoglio Oro, both SOHC boxers with twin-choke carburettor |
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
| Drag coefficient | Cd 0.36 |
| Updates | minor facelift in 1986; major restyle in 1989 |
| Replaced by | Alfa Romeo 145 and 146 |
This page is based on English Wikipedia only, so the figures could not be cross-checked against a second source.
History of the Alfa Romeo 33
Initially known as the Alfa 33 (Type 905), the five-door hatchback was launched in 1983 and a station wagon, at first called Giardinetta and later Sportwagon, followed in 1984 together with a four-wheel-drive version of the hatchback. The hatchback was styled by Ermanno Cressoni at the Centro Stile and the wagon by Pininfarina. The Nissan-based Alfa Romeo Arna launched shortly afterwards, offering a similar size at a lower price.
The 33 had a minor facelift in 1986 and a major restyle in 1989, and was discontinued in 1995 when it was replaced by the 145 and 146, which kept the Boxer engines but used an entirely new platform based on the Fiat Tipo.
Design and features
- Handling and engines: renowned for nimble handling and powerful boxer engines.
- Brakes: the Alfasud’s inboard front discs were moved to conventional outboard discs and the rear discs became drums, which increased unsprung weight.
- Innovations: an instrument binnacle that moves up and down with the adjustable steering wheel.
- Weak points: unreliable electronics and a tendency to rust.
Alfa Romeo 33 versions
- Alfa 33 (Type 905), 1983–1986: the first series, with 1.3 and 1.5 Quadrifoglio Oro models.
- Giardinetta / Sportwagon (1984): the station wagon by Pininfarina.
- 33 4×4 (1984): a four-wheel-drive hatchback.
- Type 907 (1989): the restyled car.
More Alfa Romeo cars of the 1980s are in our Alfa Romeo collection, for example the Alfasud, the Alfa Romeo 75 and the Alfa Romeo 145.
Alfa Romeo 33 questions and answers
When was the Alfa Romeo 33 built?
From 1983 to 1995.
What is the Alfa 33 based on?
The Alfasud: its floorpan, chassis and drivetrain were carried over with simplifications to the suspension and brakes.
How many were made?
Nearly one million.
What replaced the 33?
The Alfa Romeo 145 and 146 in 1995.
Was there an estate or four-wheel-drive version?
Yes: a station wagon (Giardinetta, later Sportwagon) and a four-wheel-drive hatchback, both from 1984.
Sources
- Alfa Romeo 33, English Wikipedia: history, design, versions
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