Of all the concepts we were cruelly denied production versions of, Alfa Romeo’s forgotten Diva ranks highly on the list of those we’d actually love to own, not least because the lightweight mid-engined coupé pays tribute to the most beautiful car ever built: the Tipo 33 Stradale. Do you remember the first time you clocked eyes on Franco Scaglione’s masterpiece? The way its arresting beauty seized your attention and held it ransom from reality? We appreciate that certain historical objects which are so hallowed they’re all but consecrated should be respected – let sleeping dogs lie, and all that. But we’re left wondering why Alfa Romeo has never given its fiercely loyal congregation a car that at least evokes the aesthetic and conceptual spirit of the fabled Tipo 33 Stradale. It’s not like it hasn’t toyed with the idea – the Diva was a gorgeous  concept that its maker apparently never even comprehended putting into production. What could have been, eh?
 
Alex Easthope
Deputy Editor