1969 Alfa Romeo Tipo 33/2 "Daytona
Chassis: 75033009
2l engine: number 015
2.5l engine: number 20 00 42

The Alfa Romeo 33 marked the brand's return to the highest level of motor sport.

At the end of 1951, Alfa Romeo withdrew from all international competition, and the famous Disco Volante, destined to race in the 1952 Le Mans 24 Hours, never made it.
In the early 60s, with the collaboration of Autodelta, Alfa Romeo returned to racing success with the fabulous GTA, TZ and TZ2. These successes led Alfa Romeo to consider a return to international competition.
In September 1964 the 105.33 project was launched. In September 1965, the first prototype equipped with the TZ2 engine was produced. For the engine, the engineers opted for a two-litre V8 developed secretly during the 1950s. Intended for racing in the Sport Prototype championship, the 33 was the second Alfa Romeo to be fitted with a mid-rear engine, after the Tipo 512 in 1939.
After intensive development on the Balloco track, the car was ready. On 6 March 1967, the car was entered in the Fléron hill climb in Belgium. This event marked Alfa Romeo's triumphant return to the highest level. Unfortunately, the car's reliability failed to live up to expectations in this first 33. Carlo Chiti redesigned the car from top to bottom, and the cars built to date were also modified. This 33 B made its debut at the 1968 Daytona 24 Hours, winning the under 2000cc class. Following this success, the car was quickly nicknamed the 33/2 Daytona. At the end of the 1968 season, autodelta stopped producing 33/2s, concentrating its efforts on the future 33/3. All the 33/2s were then sold to satellite teams and to the brand's various European importers.
In 1969, SOFAR, the Alfa Romeo importer in France, acquired three Alfa Romeo 33/2s to promote the brand in France. These cars competed in the Sport Prototype championship and in France's biggest events.
One of these cars is the 75033009 chassis. It has the exceptional distinction of having been registered on 14/10/1969 by SOFAR under the number 8270 VW 75. This registration concealed SOFAR's intention to enter the car in rallies and other road events in addition to the Sport Prototype championship.
Over the course of their career, SOFAR's 33.2s took part in a number of events, winning the Ronde Cévenole with Ignazio Giunti under the number 70 in 1969, 3rd place at Magny Cours with Jean Pierre Jaussaud the same year, and victory at the AGACI 300 at Montlhéry with Gerard Larousse.
After a short season in 1970, SOFAR returned to winning ways in 1971 with Bob Wolleck at Albi.
This would be the last season of SOFAR's 33/2s, which had been overtaken by more powerful competition. For its part, Autodelta decided that only the new 33/3s could be entered in competition.
Jean Guichet, the team's driver, bought the three SOFAR 33/2s. Two were sold to Antoine Raffaëlli, chassis 007 and 017. These were damaged, restored and resold.
One was kept by Guichet: chassis 009. According to Antoine Raffaelli, this was the finest example of the SOFAR. Jean Guichet took part in a number of hill climbs and other local events with this 33/2.
In 1997, Gérald Bugnon bought it. The car was then fitted with the 33/2 engine installed by SOFAR during the car's last run. As soon as it was acquired, the car was restored in the Calderoni workshops. The bodywork, running gear and mechanics were overhauled. The car was subsequently entered in a number of historic events.
In 2005, Gérald Bugnon bought a Montreal engine, which he prepared extensively to get as close as possible to the car's original performance. The same year, he acquired a genuine 2.5-litre 33 engine. This engine will be supplied with the car to the future buyer.
Finally, in 2014, a final check was carried out on the aluminium and magnesium components. After this final work, the car was entered in the 2014 Montreux Grand Prix. In 2018, the car raced one last time, again at the Montreux Grand Prix. Statically displayed since then, the car has been put back on the road with a view to being sold. Although functional, it would nevertheless benefit from a general overhaul before returning to historic competitions.
This Alfa Romeo 33/2, a true piece of history, is eligible for the best historic events.