In the past, manufacturer Alfa Romeo and coach-builder Zagato have collaborated many times. More often than not the result was a high performance machine that worked as well on the road as on the track. In that light it is only fitting that Zagato built a special competition car around Alfa Romeo mechanicals to celebrate the manufacturer's 100th anniversary in 2010.
The car was actually commissioned by a German enthusiast, who already owns a very impressive collection of Zagato bodied Alfa Romeos. The inspiration for the new project came from the Alfa Romeo TZ and TZ2 in the collection. These early 1960s competition cars feature a purpose-built tubular spaceframe chassis and a Zagato designed and built body. Accordingly, the type name is short for 'Tubulare Zagato'.
Dubbed the TZ3 Corsa, Zagato's homage to Alfa Romeo actually does not use a tubular frame like the TZs of old. In keeping with the latest technology, it uses a carbon-fibre monocoque instead. There are however enough tubular elements to the chassis to justify the name. Like many modern racing cars, the TZ3 is fitted with independent suspension and push-rod actuated dampers all around.
The engine used for the TZ3 Corsa is an earlier version of the quad-cam V8 found in Alfa Romeo's 8C Competizione. Originally used in the Maserati GT and Spyder models, the engine displaces just over 4.2 litre. In the current trim, the all-alloy V8 is good for a hefty 420 bhp. This power is transferred to the rear wheels through a sequential six-speed gearbox. Pirelli has provided custom slick tires to fit the 18 inch wheels.
The lightweight mechanical package is clothed in a carefully crafted aluminium body. The design has clearly been inspired by the TZ with its low profile, long nose and cut-off tail. The paint used for the car is identical to the red found on the original. Also typically TZ is the blacked out tail section. To honour Alfa Romeo the car sports big stickers with company's badge on the sides and nose as well as Autodelta badges on the A-panels.
Zagato's Alfa Romeos were always very light and at 850 kg, the TZ3 Corsa is no exception. It is built as a racing car and equipped with only the bare necessities. The owner has no intention to enter the car in top level racing and instead plans to use his new Zagato Alfa Romeo mostly for track-day purposes. For now the car remains a one-off but interested parties can always approach Zagato.
The Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa was officially unveiled at the 2010 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. A day later, during the Concorso d'Eleganza at the nearby Villa Erba, it received the 'Design Award' for the best concept car or prototype picked by public referendum. The TZ3 Corsa was later in the year also driven up the Goodwood hill during the Festival of Speed.
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In the past, manufacturer Alfa Romeo and coach-builder Zagato have collaborated many times. More often than not the result was a high performance machine that worked as well on the road as on the track. In that light it is only fitting that Zagato built a special competition car around Alfa Romeo mechanicals to celebrate the manufacturer's 100th anniversary in 2010.
