Glynn Bloomquist Finalizes A Unique Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale
Photo credit: Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo’s latest limited-edition supercar, the 33 Stradale, is a revival of the iconic Tipo 33 from the 1960s and is considered one of the most beautiful automobiles ever made. As befits the model, just 33 individually customized Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale will be available. Texas-based American Glynn Bloomquist is one of the privileged clients. Following an intimate tour of the museum, the Alfa Romeo crew invited Mr. Bloomquist to the Sala del Consiglio of the Museum in Arese, which is currently home to the headquarters of Bottega Alfa Romeo and is where the design of the 33 Stradale was approved in 1967. This iconic location served as a meeting point for the brand’s designers, engineers, and historians, who then collaborated with the 33 owners to produce what have turned into one-of-a-kind artwork and a true “manifesto” of the Italian company’s future and present style and driving experience.
“Alfa Romeo created the new 33 Stradale, a tribute to the legendary 1967 original, for the most passionate Alfisti around the world, including right here in America,” said Larry Dominique, SVP, head of Alfa Romeo North America. “A true Alfista, Glynn Bloomquist will be representing the Alfa Romeo brand in the most fitting way, by driving his 33 Stradale in the Lone Star state, on both streets and racetracks, to experience the visceral thrill that only a 620-horsepower mid-engine Alfa Romeo supercar can deliver.”
The new two-seat coupe, which has a limited production run of 33 unique pieces, blends tradition and modernity. It is made using a special artisanal method that demands the highest quality standards and meticulous attention to detail, much like the workshops of famous Italian coachbuilders in the 1960s. Among them was Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, which contributed to the creation of some of the most exquisite Alfa Romeo ever and is currently a key player in the 33 Stradale’s development.
Having grown up with a father who was an avid fan of American racing and muscle cars, Glynn Bloomquist fell in love with American motorsports at an early age. This love led him to relocate to Indianapolis for work, where his photography business sponsored the storied Indianapolis 500, the country’s greatest open-wheel car championship.
Using his racing skills as a springboard, Bloomquist started to go overseas to learn about the sporting history of European companies, particularly in Italy. The two that most impressed him were Alfa Romeo and Ferrari, which are globally renowned for their innovative technology, Italian design, and rich athletic heritage. After reading a biography of the famous businessman, Bloomquist became aware of the unbreakable bond that existed between the Alfa Romeo brand and Ferrari. Over the course of the 20-year partnership, Ferrari served as a driver, commercial collaborator, tester, and director of the storied Alfa Romeo racing department.
Bloomquist’s interest in Italian motorsports became a genuine love after that, leading him to buy Italian vehicles. He has added a stunning Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio 100th Anniversary edition to his collection. In 2023, as a guest of the Alfa Romeo team, he had the honor of driving it on the Circuit of the Americas in Austin. At that point, he met the leader of the 33 Stradale project, Cristiano Fiorio, who presented him with an opportunity of a lifetime.
“It didn’t take me long to accept the idea of becoming one of the 33 customers of the new Alfa Romeo custom-built car, as long as it was red and red alone,” said Bloomquist with a smile. Fiorio himself recounts, “from the first time we met in Austin, we had a special relationship with Glynn. The human engagement he brought to the project, and the passion in his and the team’s approach to the configuration process are truly something unique. No less unique is the wonderful model he has passionately configured for the brand and for the history of world motorsports.”
Bloomquist requested that his new 33 Stradale have a layered Rosso Villa d’Este livery with a horizontal white band in the front, which is a somewhat uncommon design feature for supercars. It pays homage to the iconic red and white Tipo 33 from the 1960s motorsports era, which served as the model for the 1967 33 Stradale, but with a modern twist. He also chose the placement of the iconic Autodelta and Quadrifoglio emblems, the unique rear air intakes, and the style of the brand-new 20-inch black “Progressive” alloy wheels with carbon fiber inlays.
With one eye on the iconic 1967 33 Stradale on display at the Arese Museum, Bloomquist chose the Tributo configuration for the interior, which features aluminum trim and two-tone slate and biscuit upholstery. Slate Alcantara upholstery is added to the dashboard, some seats, door panels, and central tunnel, and is paired with a very fine biscuit-colored leather. In honor of two great drivers who wore the No. 14 on their race cars—Enzo Ferrari in his 1920s Alfa Romeo and A.J. Foyt on his Foyt Coyote—the Texan also asked that it be embroidered on the headrests and on the outside of the doors. The renowned American racer who won the USAC championship seven times and the Indianapolis 500 four times is honored by Alfa Romeo’s choice of number 14. To put it briefly, Bloomquist’s 33 Stradale’s configuration is a real manual of Italian and American automotive sportiness.
“I can’t wait to get my hands on the steering wheel of my 33 Stradale and hear the sound of its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine with over 620 horsepower,” said Bloomquist. “Of course, it won’t stay sitting in the garage. In and around central Texas, where I live, there are plenty of fantastic streets and circuits where I track all my cars, and my Alfa Romeo custom build will be no exception.”
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