Alfa Romeo's version of the Dodge Viper featured a tailgate similar to that of a pickup truck.
Bring a Trailer
Get The Drive’s daily newsletter
Stay updated with the latest car news, reviews, and features.
It might be hard to remember now, but there was actual optimism surrounding the merger of Fiat and Chrysler coming out of the recession. The Pentastar brands weren't exactly producing exciting products, and such a collaboration could only enhance the Americans' efforts to create vehicles in areas where they historically struggled, like compact cars. Then the Dart was introduced, and that dream quickly faded. However, this era also introduced some stunning models, including the 2010 Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale Zagato, which is currently available on Bring a Trailer.
I've always had a fondness for Dodge Vipers as well as Alfa Romeo sports cars. The TZ3 is a perfect blend for me, combining the structure of a Viper ACR-X and its 8.4-liter, 640-horsepower V10 engine with classic Zagato styling. This car is breathtaking, from its sculpted hood and teardrop headlights to its sleek silhouette and wraparound rear window, with additional glass integrated into the rear gate.
I want to highlight the rear gate specifically because, if you've never seen how it operates on the TZ3, it's quite intriguing. That entire carbon fiber piece with the built-in window hinges at the bottom and drops downward, similar to a pickup truck. There are even cutouts for the round brake lights. From that point, you have a small opening to place items through, but you'll need to be cautious not to put too much pressure on the panel itself while loading your cargo.
It's quirky and unconventional, but isn't that what Alfas are known for? Opting for aesthetics over practicality to some extent, or functionality over dependable, practical operation. The TZ3’s interior is particularly amusing as it mingles classic Italian luxury elements, such as caramel leather covering every surface, with design cues from Chrysler that I recognize all too well, thanks to my upbringing in a family that exclusively bought Jeeps and Dodges. For instance, that head unit design is ingrained in my memory, much like the Jeep Liberty I rode to school in.
In any case, this TZ3 Zagato is currently listed at $300,000 with five days remaining on the auction. It appears to have been rear-ended just days after its initial delivery in 2012, which is unfortunate, but Zagato repaired the damage. That poor, beautiful tailgate.
Bring a Trailer
Have a tip? Reach out to us: [email protected]
Other articles
Hertz Renter Recorded His Vehicle to Demonstrate AI Was Incorrect, Yet Made No Progress as Outrage Grows | Carscoops
An in-depth examination of the increasing criticism faced by Hertz, as renters claim that its AI mistakenly identifies false damage and disregards complaints.
Study Shows Hands-Free Driving Aids Rank Highest on List of Desired New Car Features.
For comparison, there was a greater interest in hands-free driving than in heated and ventilated seats.
"Frustrated Cybertruck Owner Claims 'Still Squeaking After 50 Days in Tesla Service' | Carscoops"
Currently, the owner is seeking a refund or a replacement truck due to the minor yet bothersome problem.
AMG's Latest Electric Hyper Sedan Aims to Drown Out Rivals with Over 1300 Powerful Horses | Carscoops
Mercedes-AMG's powerful V8 engines were once their main feature, but that is set to change.
Honda Aims to Insure Your Vehicle and Has a Hidden Advantage | Carscoops
The new agency owned by American Honda provides coverage for Honda and Acura owners, including cars, motorcycles, homes, boats, RVs, and additional items.
Alfa Romeo's version of the Dodge Viper featured a tailgate similar to that of a pickup truck.
The Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale Zagato ranks among the most beautiful supercars of the past quarter-century, but its design required a peculiar adjustment to the Dodge Viper's storage arrangement.