SSZ Stradale
The SSZ Stradale is the creation of Tom Zatloukal, Alfa Romeo racer, restorer and CEO of Alfa Heaven, Inc.[1] SSZ stands for Sprint Speciale Zatloukal. Based on the Giulietta SS the concept was to produce a high performance version with a lightweight, wider and more aggressive body than the standard production SS.[2] The original intent was to produce a one-off vehicle for personal use. The car was well received at Alfa club events across the U.S.A. Alfa historian Pat Braden nicknamed the car "The Zatmobile" and published photos in Alfa Owner magazine. Mr. Zat agreed to produce a second car for Joe Benson, author of the Alfa Romeo Buyers Guide.[3] After several other people expressed interest in purchasing a car, SSZ Motorcars was born.
Prototypes
A total of four prototypes were produced on Alfa 101 Sprint Speciale chassis. SSZ P1 has a steel body that is 3" wider and 4" lower than a standard SS, with a traditional hood and trunk.[4] P2 incorporated a one piece, fiberglass tilt front, perplex windows and other lightweight components. The third prototype had tilt front and rear, side air outlets, a new taillight configuration and an elongated greenhouse. P4 added a hood scoop, wider wheel wells and a mono wiper. Only P1 and P2 still exist as P3 was destroyed during testing and P4 was disassembled to pattern parts for the production cars.
Mark 1
The first production SSZ Stradale featured an all new tubular chassis combined with a Kevlar reinforced fiberglass body.[5] These cars were powered by an Alfa Romeo 3.0 V6 engine with a 5 speed overdrive transmission coupled to an adjustable ratio live axle.[6] Four wheel 12" driver adjustable brakes, adjustable coil over suspension, rack and pinion steering, front and rear adjustable sway bars, fuel cell and fire system were standard features.[7]
Mark 2
Although the chassis and suspension were the same, as the Mark 1 cars, the power was increased to over 500 hp (373 kW) by utilizing a Nissan 3.0, four valve, turbo charged engine.[8] The transmission and rear axle were also upgraded. The body was widened, a front spoiler added and a new rear clip was incorporated to increase downforce.
Mark 3
Mark 3 cars were prepared in competition version only. The Electromotive 3.0 twin turbo engine developed 1000 horsepower.[9] The cars had independent rear suspension and inboard disc brakes. A full flat bottom with rear diffuser, air jacks, telemetry and data acquisition were fitted. The body was wider, longer and was delivered with adjustable front and rear wings. The car weighed 2000 pounds in FIA GT2 trim.
Mark 3.1
Mark 3.1 autos had the same chassis and body as the 3.0 sans wings. The engines were Chevrolet LS6 aluminum V8s coupled to a Richmond 5 speed. The wheels were changed to a traditional 5 bolt pattern. Like the 3.0, the auto was sold for competition purposes and was available without engine. Several cars have been converted street use.
Mark 4
These cars were mechanically the same as the 3.1. The body and chassis were 4 inches (100 mm) longer for high speed stability. Racing development was discontinued at the end of the 1999 season due to upheaval within the sanctioning bodies.
Racing
Stradales were campaigned in SCCA,[10] USRRC, FIA GT, World Challenge, and Sports Car. Mark 1 and 2 cars won numerous events in SCCA club racing including the Continental Challenge and 5 track records. Elvira, the first Mk 3 auto, set three track records, had seven wins and placed fifth in the United States Road Racing Championship. Stradales have competed in oval track, drag race, rally racing and hill climb events with some success.[11]
Production Stats
Years produced: 1984 - 1999
| Model | Number made | Engine | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prototypes | 4 | Alfa 1.6 liter | |
| Mark 1 | 6 | Alfa 3.0 liter |
|
| Mark 2 | 5 | Nissan 3.0 liter |
|
| Mark 3 | 3 | Electromotive 3.0 liter |
|
| Mark 3.1 | 8 | Chevrolet 5.7 liter |
|
| Mark 4 | 2 | Chevrolet 5.7 liter |
|
While the SSZ is no longer being produced, once source reports, "Today, the enigmatic Tom [Zatloukal] and his lovely wife Dale still reside in Wisconsin on Stradale Lane. They recently opened the Motorama Auto Museum [12] there, featuring the Alfa Heaven collection of over fifty vintage Alfa Romeos, several SSZ Stradales, rare Prototypes and unique cars from around the world. Most days, they'll guide your tour personally."[13]