From September 12 to 15, the seventh edition of the “Chantilly Arts & Élégance Richard Mille” took place. This prestigious Concours d’Élégance blends the worlds of automobiles, art, and sophistication. Founded in 2014 and always held at the Domaine du Château de Chantilly in Hauts-de-France, this exclusive event has rapidly gained renown, reaching the same status as prestigious events such as Pebble Beach in the USA and Villa d’Este in Italy.
Alfa Romeo paid a special tribute to the French event by showcasing three standout models: the new Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, a true ‘manifesto’ of the Italian brand’s current and future capabilities in terms of style and driving experience; the famous 1971 33 Spider Cuneo prototype, typically on display at the Alfa Romeo Historical Museum in Arese; and the new Junior, marking the Italian brand’s return to the largest segment in Europe.
The three vehicles were admired in the exhibition area set up in the elegant French garden designed by André Le Nôtre, one of the main attractions of the Château de Chantilly. This display revealed the subtle thread connecting Alfa Romeo’s mechanical creations from the past and present. The spotlight was on the new Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, which made its public debut in France. This model combines tradition and future, being produced through a unique artisanal process and the highest quality standards. The public also had the opportunity to test drive the Giulia, Stelvio, Tonale, and Junior models on-site.
It is worth noting that “Chantilly Arts & Élégance Richard Mille” is a revival of the elegance competition format created in France in the 1920s, when the exhibited cars were accompanied by a mannequin dressed by a fashion house. In recent years, Alfa Romeo has always been represented at the Chantilly concours with cars from private collectors, and in 2016, it won the “Best of Show” title with a magnificent 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Berlinetta Touring.
Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale: Dare to dream
To turn a dream into reality, one needs courage and a touch of healthy madness. This was the essence behind the 1967 33 Stradale, regarded as one of the most beautiful cars in history. Now, Alfa Romeo has created a new 33 Stradale, a masterpiece in motion that blends beauty and technology. This exclusive car has been designed in Alfa Romeo’s new “Bottega,” where designers, engineers, and historians collaborated with the 33 buyers to define its ideal configuration, much like in the artisanal workshops of the past. With the collaboration of Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, this project combines traditional craftsmanship with technological innovation to deliver something truly unique.
Alfa Romeo 33 Spider Cuneo – 1971
In 1968, Alfa Romeo launched the 33 Stradale, featuring a magnificent body designed by Franco Scaglione, inspired by his racing cars. This model captured the attention of other designers during an era filled with futuristic cars. Following Bertone’s Carabo and Pininfarina’s P33 Roadster, among others, the 33 Spider, known as the “Cuneo,” was the final interpretation of the Alfa chassis in 1971. This prototype, with its wedge-shaped body and angular lines, featured rounded edges on the fenders and an aerodynamic windshield, slightly rising from the vehicle’s tense lines.
Alfa Romeo Junior – Compact sportiness
The new Alfa Romeo Junior was showcased at the French event, an innovative model that combined captivating style with advanced technology in comfort, connectivity, and driving dynamics. Available in hybrid and electric versions, the Junior retained an aesthetic and equipment consistent with the Alfa Romeo essence.
The Junior Hybrid was equipped with a 136-hp hybrid engine, while the Junior Electric offered 156 hp. Additionally, the launch version, the Junior Speciale, featured notable specifications. The most anticipated version, the Junior VELOCE with 280 hp and fully electric, received highly positive reviews following its track tests at Balocco.
