1968 Alfa Romeo Tipo 33/2

For 1967, Chiti produced the Tipo 33 with a 1995 cc 90-degree V-8 engine, designed by Alfa Romeo engineers Orazio Satta and Giuseppe Busso. Only 4 were ever constructed.
The engine is of light alloy construction throughout, with twin overhead camshafts per bank of cylinders, Lucas fuel injection and a power output of 260 hp at 9000 rpm, a very competitive figure for the time. The engine is mounted at the rear between two projecting magnesium-alloy members linked by a fabricated sheet-steel metal section that carries the rear suspension. The transmission was by a 6-speed gearbox. Ventilated disc brakes were fitted front and rear, with those at the rear mounted inboard.

The cars were plagued with reliability problems and two drivers were killed while testing. The Tipo 33 ran only a few races during the 1967 season and the only win was at an unimportant Bettojia Trophy race on the Vallelunga circuit at Rome.

By 1968 the 33/2 had been improved and was now a serious contender. A 33/2 finished second a Daytona and took a clean sweep in its class at Le Mans en route to finishing fourth, fifth and sixth overall.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2005