From Track to Tarmac
2010 Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale
STORY | STEIN BROEDER
Photography | GOODING & COMPANY & MIKE MAEZ
Please note this car is titled Dodge Viper.
Excuse me?
This was my reaction upon reading the Gooding & Co. auction listing for this car. I imagine many others had the same reaction. The fact that it sits atop a Dodge Viper ACR chassis is just part of what makes the 2010 Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale so unique.
This limited-edition masterpiece, with only nine units produced, is more than just a car; it’s a rolling piece of art that pays tribute to the iconic TZ (Tubolare Zagato) of the 1960s, blending the past with the present in a symphony of design and performance.
Its modern inspiration comes from the one-off racing prototype, the Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa. Meant strictly for the track, the Corsa was a lightweight, 850 kg creation conceived by the German collector Martin Kapp, a well-known TZ collector.
The TZ3 Stradale, produced in collaboration with Zagato, was unveiled in 2010 to commemorate Alfa Romeo’s centenary. The TZ3 Stradale is a testament to Alfa Romeo’s distinguished heritage and the exceptional design prowess of Zagato. Under the direction of designer Norihiko Harada, the vehicle features aerodynamic lines inspired by its predecessors, while incorporating contemporary stylistic elements. The coachwork includes a Kamm tail reminiscent of the original model, a large greenhouse with a pillarless effect, and a full carbon fiber body with sweeping lines. The signature rounded nose of Alfa Romeo adds both sophistication and a touch of aggression to the overall design.
The vehicle features a meticulously crafted carbon fiber body atop the Dodge Viper ACR chassis, representing a distinctive blend of Italian design and American muscle. The elongated hood, low profile, and assertive contours are indicative of its racing heritage, while the classic Alfa Romeo grille unmistakably signifies its lineage.
Like the TZ models of the 1960s, the modern TZ3 Stradale was underpinned by a lightweight tubular space frame. This was coupled with an ultra-high-performance powertrain.
Originally, the TZ3 project was going to employ the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, but because the V8 8C program got canceled, Zagato decided to utilize the Dodge Viper ACR instead.
Ultimately, the TZ3 Stradale celebrated the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group’s offerings with the Viper’s aluminum 8.4-liter V10 engine, delivering an incredible 640 horsepower and 560 lbs/ft of torque. These figures translated into an exhilarating driving experience, thanks to a Tremec six-speed manual gearbox, limited-slip differential, a top speed exceeding 200 mph, and a 0-60 mph sprint that takes just over three seconds.
Zagato describes the ZT3 Stradale as the “first American Alfa Romeo.”
The combination of raw power and lightweight construction results in a driving experience that’s both exhilarating and refined, a true embodiment of Alfa Romeo’s “la meccanica delle emozioni” or “the mechanics of emotion.”
The interior of the TZ3 Stradale exemplifies a tasteful integration of luxury and advanced technology. The cabin features high-quality materials, including leather and Alcantara, with modern amenities such as a touchscreen infotainment system and climate control, ensuring both comfort and convenience. Each vehicle is meticulously custom-built to the owner’s specifications, making every TZ3 Stradale a distinctive reflection of its owner’s preferences and style.
Offered directly by Zagato to each potential owner, every TZ3 Stradale was spoken for from the outset at a cost of $1,000,000, donor car included. Of the nine produced, six vehicles were offered for sale to American auto aficionados. Of the remaining three cars, two stayed in Italy, and one went to a Japanese collector. Each of the nine cars produced commenced with the acquisition of a Dodge Viper ACR, which was subsequently transported to Italy. Extensively customized by the consignor, this particular example features carbon fiber bodywork finished in an exquisite dark blue metallic paint – the only car presented in this color. The interior showcases saddle leather hides lining the bucket seats, providing a striking contrast with the surrounding black trim.
This rare opportunity to own an achingly beautiful piece of Zagato history happens only so often. With just 1,832 miles at the time of cataloguing, it was sold by Gooding & Co. at their annual Pebble Beach Auction.
The TZ3 Stradale, with its limited production and rich heritage, is a prized collector’s item. It appeals to Alfa Romeo fans and automotive history enthusiasts alike. Celebrating Alfa Romeo’s centenary, the TZ3 Stradale connects the past with the future and reminds us why we love cars.
