This Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale ‘Perla Nera’ is heavy on the carbon fibre

Alfa Romeo will display a unique 33 Stradale model at its museum in Arese, Italy, until October 18, to showcase the possibilities of the brand’s customisation program.

Exterior

Named ‘Perla Nera’ (Black Pearl) by its owner, who worked with the team at Alfa Romeo Centro Stile, the model is one of a strictly limited run of just 33 units built by Bottega Alfa Romeo (part of BOTTEGAFUORISERIE) and inspired by the legendary 1967 33 Stradale.

This particular example, however, is the only one to feature a fully exposed carbon-fibre body with a matte finish, created through a special fibre layup designed to ‘enhance its shapes, symmetry and volumes’. This process involved laying the carbon fibre by hand within the mould, positioning each piece with extreme precision to follow the contours of the surfaces.

Adding to the monochromatic appearance, the ‘Perla Nera’ 33 Stradale comes with all-black wheels and comes without external badges, except the Alfa Romeo brand emblems.

Interior

Inside, carbon fibre elements are combined with full Alcantara upholstery for a subtle but sophisticated finish. Bespoke sports seats were created to meet specific comfort and performance requirements, fitted around the owner’s physique through fitting sessions and consultations. The seats feature a reinterpretation of the Alfa Romeo signature ‘cannelloni’ pattern, while the headrest was redesigned to optimise the contact surface and integrate a carbon-fibre insert bearing the ‘Perla Nera’ name.

The black Alcantara luggage set also features the car’s production number, while the Alfa rotary selector is personalised with the owner’s initials. Quadrifoglio and Autodelta symbols are also seen inside to connect the car to Alfa Romeo’s racing heritage.

Powertrain

Underneath the bonnet is Alfa Romeo’s 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing over 630hp, enabling a top speed of 207mph and a 0-62mph sprint in under three seconds. Further carbon fibre is used to make up the monocoque and, along with the H-frame aluminium chassis, gives the 33 Stradale lightness for enhanced driving performance.

“Having the opportunity to deliver projects of this calibre is an extraordinary privilege”

Cristiano Fiorio, General Manager of BOTTEGAFUORISERIE, said: “Every detail of this 33 Stradale was developed together with its owner, through an ongoing dialogue that led to the creation of a truly unique example. For us, having the opportunity to deliver projects of this calibre is an extraordinary privilege, as it allows us to fully express our ability to create genuinely bespoke automobiles.”

READ: Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale tested at Italy’s famous Nardo circuit

READ: Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale wins Design Concept Award in Italy

words: Mike Booth
pictures: Alfa Romeo - Stellantis