Ugliest Car Ever: but The Alfa Romeo SZ has Formula 1 DNA! | Revelations with Jason Cammisa | Ep. 14
Beauty is only skin-deep, but the Alfa Romeo SZ is also beautiful underneath its composite skin.
The love-it-or-hate-it design (we lurve it!) was chosen because it was so attention-grabbing, but the SZ's mechanical layout traces back directly to Alfa Romeo's 1938 race car, the 158 "Alfetta." More than a decade later, a small upgrade turned it into the 159 Alfetta, which competed in Formula 1 - and was one of the most successful race cars in history.
Giuseppe Busso did more than design the lusty V-6 in the SZ; it was his dream to put the Alfetta's rear-transaxle and de Dion-suspension layout in a street car. He realized this dream with the original Alfetta (Type 116) in the early 1970s, and that basic layout carried over directly into the SZ, giving this two-door coupe (and the RZ, its roadster twin) predictable, easy handling.
The SZ's styling is polarizing but its driving experience is not - it's universally praised as a driver's car, with great visibility, an incredibly responsive 3.0-liter Busso V-6, and a forgiving, playful rear-drive chassis.
Though its name stands for Sprint Zagato, the SZ was not designed by Zagato. It was instead done in-house by early CAD at Fiat Centro Stile - after proposals from both Zagato and Alfa Romeo's internal styling department were rejected. The SZ was, however, built by Zagato.
Today, it still looks like nothing else - a magnificent period-piece of incredible design with speed and sound to match.
Our many thanks to Marco Marini of EuroClassixCars for allowing us to film and experience this stunning piece of history. (Marco, you're lucky Jason returned it to you. He almost kidnapped it!)
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Sincerely, Jason's "Revelations" series is some of the best automotive content that exists right now
Anything Jason’s in charge of is the best out there
Totally agree. A must watch for any car nerd.
Jason + the Throttle House boys should be the new Top Great trio
He's one of the strongest and most in depth writers in automotive journalism today. He's very good at what he does.
@@zimbazone The Straight Pipes are funnier 👍
I love it. When everything looks the same something like this really stands out.
That’s y this is one of the best series on yt by a long shot
Like rosy odonnel at a beauty pageant
Agreed, it´s true
I've never thought this was ugly!! Still to this day I think it's absolutely gorgeous!!
When this car came out, I was an aspiring industrial designer in college and absolutely loved the audacity of Zagato. This car is just outrageous and fit the Alfa brand very well IMO. It aged very well too… WOW!!
agreed
Yes, it aged very very well, the car is still relevant today.
This as ugly and irrelevant as it was when shown to the public in 1989 The car was in every magazine because it was special, but it was NEVER relevant, because they had a hard time selling it
Agree. Zagato hit and miss but this was a hit in my opinion.
@@richardhoulton4016 Didn't he just say that this wasn't a Zagato design but a Fiat?
Can't tell if I genuinely love the design or I'm sick of modern cars all looking like they were drawn out by some angsty 12 year old who just discovered the f-word
🤣🤣
Honest to god, I don’t think that could have been said any better
That's easily one of the best descriptions for it I've ever heard!
Angsty 12 year old who just discovered the f-word sounds like a lot of KZhead commenters.
It’s a lot like brutalist architecture, it’s not pretty to look at but when you go past, you can’t help but look because it’s so gloriously weird!
I personally like weird looking cars, so this is definitely one of my favorites!
Amen
Same!
Me too. I hate all the SUVs and crossovers. I like just about every Alfa thats ever been made. They all look great in their own way. The 33 Stradale is probably the most beautiful car ever made
The Fiat Multipla?
I love the Schumacher Multipla. So much glass surface
This is easily one of the best looking front ends of all time. Y’all are crazy, I can’t imagine not liking this. I’ll say it, it’s timeless.
I agree. I think the R.Z. does look quite off, but this thing looks outstanding in my book. It's probably in my top 5 looking cars of all time.
Just...no You are tasteless
Wtf is wrong with hou
Menace of a statement to make
All these years later, I still love the look of this car. I remember having articles of it and pictures of it, and many other rides, on my wall. This one still looks great IMO.
Yep. It's "ugly" only if you think a 1993 Camry is the pinnacle of automotive design. Alfa always manages to be interesting, and you can never look past one!
My sentiments exactly!
I love the short driving clips at the end of revelation videos. It’s a great snippet of what’s it’s like to be in a car that we would otherwise never get a chance to be in.
prekrasna alfa samo na balkanu je nevole kao brand
Jason and his Dry Humor is definitely back!!!! Welcome back!!!!
Thanks!
@@JasonCammisa Like a lot of car folk, I've been watching you since your Motor Trend days. I liked you on that show, but I think you found your home here. Seems to give you the production freedom that matches with your passions and presentation. Nice.
@@justingallagher4864 EXACTLY!!! We said/typed.
@@justingallagher4864 Thank you! :)
Ok, throwing the dog has sealed me as HUGE fan of the show. I DIED laughing. Thank you.
You're welcome. Luckily, Stewie didn't did. Sorry you did. 🤪
@@JasonCammisa EXCELLENT. Please keep the humor going ;)
@@JasonCammisa am still laughing at you scaring a pram pushing mother who threw her baby when you revved the continental 5 years later
Idiocracy .. in progress ... Jason is very smart guy .. the 'structure' and 'narration' and some 'rich' ideas makes these movies really cool ... ... ... but once in a time he'll put sth so stupid, primitive and tastless ... that ... wtf .. -) ...
@@bukkuk5949 cool tell us how you really feel
It is not ugly , it is stunning and way ahead for its time I wanted one from the minute I first saw it 👍👍👍
same here, it looks great.
Also worth mentioning is that when it was new, it posted way bigger lateral g:s than competition. If I remember correctly, over 1.3G:s. Which is bonkers considering the time and tyre technology.
It was also a peak measurement, not sustained - so it's incomparable to the numbers we're used to seeing. It handles well, but it definitely doesn't pull 1.3 g, even on modern tires.
@@JasonCammisa One would also assume that the measuring equipment of that time didn't really handle other than peak loads that well. Anyho related to Alfa. Are 33 Stradales unobtanium even for Big Dogs like yourself and Hagerty? I mean I've never seen any channel or car magazine take on that beauty. And not only it's the sexiest car ever made, it's super interesting as race homolagization special of the Tipo 33. After all they made 30+ examples. Which of course cost tens of millions, but so does 250 series Ferraris and there's tons of stuff regarding those.
@@mcdick Actually it's the other way around - it's far easier to measure sustained G around a skidpad because all you have to do is time the trip around the skidpad and you're done. Anyway - I'm with you that the 33 is one of the sexiest cars ever made. The idea to do something with one just hasn't come up, but you're right; it's a good story. I'll throw it on the list. Now all I have to do is find one and get permission to drive it. Easy Peasy! 🥴
@@JasonCammisa Story?!? On 33? Pour baby oil on it and the the camera roll!?!
On serious note driving impressions would be nice. I haven't ever heard if about those. Perhaps it's too close to race car to actually just drive.
The "I can't believe this needs to be said" After the no pugs were harmed statement really got me 🤣
It got me, too, that we knew we needed to say it!
Idiocracy .. in progress ... Jason is very smart guy .. so why these stupid ideas ....
The existence of pugs is harm to pugs.
Watching this inside my Alfa Romeo 164. Thanks for acknowledging the busso v6 as the best V6 engine ever made!
Only because the VR6 isn't considered a true V6.
Probably one of the least reliable too💀
It's wonderful that Hagerty is giving attention to such a gem of italian engineering 🏄
that pug is a deformed yet cute monstrosity anatomically speaking.
Its why I will always love pugs. I cant help but pet every one I see lol. I miss mine so bad seeing Jasons.
@@joshuakhaos4451 best dogs ever. I didn't choose the Pug life, the Pug life chose me.
I think they're lovely but it's cruel to keep breeding them
@@joshuakhaos4451 10 years ago my neighbours left their pug boozoo unattended and some fuckers stole him just nearby the trellis of our colony..i hope the thieves receive torment and torture for an eternity :(
Sounded like a Galvin Belson animal comparison lol
As a former long time Milano owner, I’ve always wanted and loved the SZ.
As an american who is severely Alfa deprived, I'm both insanely jealous you loved a Milano and curious if I'd be in financial ruin if we did have old Alfas over here.
@@m1l3s27 there are old Alfas "over here", but finding one in decent condition is another story 😆😆
@Kinky Streets I’m in the US and had a Verde for a short time. I daily drove a Platinum for 10+ years with a 3.0 swap. Had 4.1 limited slip versus the Verde’s 3.55 diff and the beautiful grey suede and leather interior. I’m forever looking for another nice example
I have the later 24v version of this engine and it really is as amazing to use and listen to as he says. Even in my FWD car where I struggle to get power to the road sometimes, it's so incredibly responsive and easy to understand, all while sounding like half a Ferrari. Amazing engine
Sounds like a beauty from the video alone. I can only imagine what’s it’s like when behind the wheel driving. Enjoy ! Bets any loud 4 cylinder VTEC crap from Honda. Enough rice rockets crushing the streets these days in North America.
The wagon would have been cool! I had a 1976 Alfetta in high school. It taught me a few important things: I love driving fun cars, I need to know how to fix my own car, and it takes a LONG time to fix things when you have to wait for parts to ship from Italy. I'm so glad I found this series! Jason is incredibly knowledgeable about cars and car history and funny, too.
Yay a new Revelation's episode. Guess I won't be studying for my A level exam now :)
I won’t be studying for my law finals either!
Just got to half term, meant to be studying for my Oxford entrance exam and interview. Not happening😂😂😂
You have a level exams in october?
I really like the look of this car, I love nearly squared shape coupe cars from the 90s, like honda crx and old VW golfs, those wheels on the SZ in my opinion are the most gorgeous factory wheels of all time great review Jason, as always
except the honda crx and golfs were decent looking at least this car has a beautiful front but the rear makes me wanna puke. its like a reverse prostitute
Honestly Jason and Hagerty team currently one of the best automotive journal channel,QuAlity , Editing ,And picturization top notch
As an inconditional Alfa Fan I can only say I am grateful for this episode! Funny, full of specs, history facts and random little stories... a perfect mix for a trully car-lover video.
Thanks for this vid’! As an owner, just some comments: not precisely the same underneath as a Milano/75. It’s based on the competition 75 - shorter wheel base, race suspension, ground effect, tuned V6 (210 vs 180 PS). I own an SZ, it’s indeed an incredible driving experience. And the design ages surprisingly well: amongst the young 18+ agers (ie my kids), the car is an 80ies design icon. In fact, the car won an award at the 2021 Zurich Classic Car Awards for Youngtimer… One last comment: the best Busso sits in my 147 GTA.
Spot on. I have owned an Alfa SZ a few years and now have a 156 gta. That gta engine is supposed to have 250 hp... I think it is a lot more. The busso is simply brilliant.
I for one really love how it looks. Great piece of automotive content of course.
Found this series of videos a few days ago. As a Brit living in Spain it's in interesting watching a well produced and researched video on so many of the iconic cars of my youth. I once drove through central London in my MK2 GTi 16v following 3 of these Alfa's, in the flesh they always looked pretty cool. Must have been some kind of promotional event.
Can I just say "Thank you, Jason" ? There are two KZhead channels I'm excited to see notifications from: Harry's Garage and this one. Please continue this wonderful format, the world needs it.
+1 But Tyrells Classic Workshop is also worth a watch
@@richardhoulton4016 I didn't know it, but I'll add it to my to-watch list!
I was in third grade when I first saw a yellow RZ in a car magazine. It was love at first sight, this is still my favorite car of all time. Thanks for finally doing a video on one, it made my week! Keep up the great work Jason!
Another excellent video by Jason on an interesting car that many have seen and few know much about. These are the best stories and Jason is a master at telling them. So happy to see new content and as always, excited for more.
Please make many many more of these! Love Jason's take (and informed explanations) of these things
Jason you make learning about these cars genuinely enjoyable and fun to watch. Keep doing what you do. Awesome work!
Jason, you were missed.... You really need to make a video of the Gen 3 Vw Scirocco :)
Cammisa is the best thing that has happened to Hagerty in a while.
Absolutely some of the best car content available to watch. Thanks Mr.Cammisa!
This car corners with a lateral G force of up to 1.4 which was a record for the day and still stands at the top. The fact that it is so unknown results in it being left off the tables.
It’s one of the best cars Alfa ever made. I’d donate a kidney to have one in the garage. Jason knocks it out of the park again! My favourite auto journalist right now.
@Kinky Streets Why would you want to turbo a Busso?
My favorite Alfa, love the 80's futuristic looks, race chassis and Busso drivetrain.
I absolutely love these videos. Jason always finds a way to get me interested in car I’ve barely ever seen anything about about.
This is where I come to make my dream car list for when I have more $ than I know what to do with. Ive been watching your content for years. Pure automotive journalism and history, you know what makes cars special.
That crazy collection of body panels looks amazing, actually.
Jason's videos are the best on the internet. I love it. I love him
This is automotive perfection. You really don't need a stereo with that soundtrack
My dad had a Milano when I was a kid. I loved that car.
Love to see new episodes! Keep it up :)
Always look forward to these👌🏼
Another amazing production! Jason's delivery and humour is unmatched
A place all of his own…humour, originality, creativity, and informative…Always a pleasure to watch!
I’d love an episode on the Aston Martin Lagonda.
Love your episodes, is it possible to have more driving impressions included? Would love to know how the gearbox and brakes feel, how it feels at the limit and so on...
Jason always delivers the best auto content. Love this whole concept. So many cool cars i've forgotten about!
Excellent video as always Jason! Now I need to drive this 'mostro' of a sports car
I fell in love with the SZ when I was 12 - and all my subsequent Alfa Romeo design sketches have tended to feature the same style of grille .... Its a gorgeous thing. I've seen one for real, kicking around Auckland NZ....I drive a daily-driver Alfa 156 V6 Busso manual, which is one of the last of them from 2006.
The 156 and the 159 were great looking cars, but the SZ wasn´t
I would love to see a video on the Alfa 8C a truly gorgeous thing in my opinion
I am binge watching revelations!! One of the best available! Keep it up thank you!
Wow alfa really tossed the pooch on the design of this
Hahahaha I see what you did there.
This is how you show respect to one of the most rare and special cars ever built. Unlike a certain someone talking about quirks and features.
Jason, loving your delivery and informative vidoes. Keep them coming!
0:12 "That's not a monster, that's just Tui" is Nick Murray level energy.
I love the SZ. It is not beautiful, but it is one of the coolest looking cars ever produced!
Agree
Sadly, I am in camp "God this thing is pretty". And that includes the roadster.
Great video. I love your style and humour. It's awesome great to see each car drive at the end of the video without any talking or music. Well done. Keep it up!!
The production value is outstanding as always.
Having grown up driving my dad's GTV6 I've always loved the SZ. I saw one in the infield at Road Atlanta's Walter Mitty weekend some year back, it looked pretty awesome to me. Think of it as a GTV6 with some balls.
It's so unique and idiosyncratic, not to mention mechanically bonkers in the best Italian tradition, how would any true gearhead not lust after this car?
I like the single headlight version more, but otherwise it's pretty neat really. Unique.
Best host and production on YT :) Thank you (all included in the making) for this superb series. Now to actually watch it :P
There's nothing ugly about this car to me. At all. I'm obsessed with it. It is drenched in 80's Italian swagger. It's perfect.
I agree with John Keen's comment. He nailed it. Jason has the best auto content and he's a great writer.
This is top notch. Shoutout to the production/host. Excellent job.
Love the production quality of these. 👍
I personally love how this looks. It's unique and that big ass only looks bad in the drophead. The SZ looks like a 2-seat F-15 fighter cockpit, and the angular lines a refreshing. Ever since panel makers have figured out multi-vector curves on the cheap every average car has all these insane "emotion" lines. It's the "ugly" ones that care how it drives instead of how it looks. Would daily.
Finally we see what the true inspiration for the Pontiac Aztek was except the Aztek had no socially redeeming qualities to fall back on.
Ahh what a film! The Alfa 75/Milano had that ”middle-finger-attitude” which this SZ had turned up to 11! Designed by Robert Opron at Fiat, the french dude who also penned the Citroen SM.
The bit of lifting the bonnet with an engine hoist is brilliant. Well played, Jason
Another Great one! Thanks for the flawless content!
I had a one of these as a Matchbox when I was a kid. It was my favorite. Didn't see what one looked like IRL until I was in my late teens. Fell in love.
Best car videos, peeeriod. Let alone you always let us enjoy a bit of the driving experience and sound, which, well, only you guys do. Awesome.
We want MORE! Love it Jason!
Been wanting one of these since I was 14, and I'm 27 now and I STILL love it
AS always, this stuff is SO good, thank you for sharing
As an adult i can see the proportions on this car are way off, but as a kid back then this was a car i would dream about. What a great throwback. Thanks!
Brilliant revelation to a brilliantly designed car by brilliant Jason. I am looking forward for the next one
This series is just brilliant
Great presentation Jason! I personally love the SZ and I wish I had my Verde back!
I have to agree! I thoroughly enjoy Jason's Revelations series. It is presented in a very thoughtful manner. The history and reason for the vehicles existence is very well explained. Hey Jason any chance you can do an episode on the vehicles I own? 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV 6 and 1986 BMW Euro Spec M635CSi. Love the show, keep them coming!
I think it looks really cool. This is one of the first rare cars I spotted since getting into cars.
I remember when it come out thinking how cool it was because it looked like nothing else on the road and I think it's aged really well get some of its Rivals what a fantastic car and what a great review thanks very much
Informative, interesting, appealing! This channel is underrated
I like the way it looks... Got to the end of the video and the noise is so nice and it looks so settled through all these curves.
This car was featured in ENTHUSIA racing game PS2 and I ABSOLUTELY fell in LOVE with it! Another great video Thank You❤🚗👍
I friggen love these deep dive videos.
I saw this and remembered back to an old Carmudgeon episode where Jason waxed poetically about his desire to drive an SZ, and upon seeing the title of this revelations I thought “huh! His dream came true”
I have a 1988 Alfa Romeo Milano. My 17th Alfa! Love the Busso V6! Jason is an awesome presenter.
i love this channel so much. like i love it so much that i got drunk and emotional and commenting here. jason is such a cool guy and the whole channel is so well done, thank you guys for these amazing videos!
I'd wait 100 years (if I could still be alive by then---which I can't) to get NEW Jason content...BRAVO!
4:15 No, Jason. In 1952 Enzo Ferrari was not the team boss of Alfa Romeo. He was already the owner of his Ferrari Team, from 1947
Loved it when it came out, love it still! One of few cars I ever kept a poster of!
Love seeing a road 2 minutes from my house at the end of all these videos.
SZ was designed by Antonio Castellana from FIAT Centro Stile. Regarding the suspensions it was similar to 75 IMSA (it had coil springs instead of the torsion bars). SZ was able to archive 1.3g of the lateral acceleration.