Alfa Romeo 33. 1983–94 (prod. 939,324). 5-door saloon, 5-door estate. F/F, F/A, 1779 cm³ diesel (I3 OHC), 1186, 1351, 1490 cm³ (F4 OHC), 1712 cm³ (F4 DOHC). Successor to Alfasud, with a number recalling a more famous racing car. Also succeeded unhappy Arna when that model failed. Excellent handling in all years, but rust problems in early models, and rear drum brakes were retrograde step compared to all-round discs on ’Sud. Major facelift in 1989 to nuova 33, with four-wheel drive model launched; called Permanent 4 from 1992. VM turbodiesel holds record for largest three-cylinder displacement.

Manufacturing location: Pomigliano d’Arco, Italy

Marque: Alfa Romeo | Predecessors: Alfa Romeo Alfasud, Alfa Romeo Arna | Successors: Alfa Romeo 145, Alfa Romeo 146

Off-site link

• Alfasud successors