I can think of few cheaper methods of obtaining something resembling the 1968 Alfa Romeo 33 Bertone Carabo concept by Marcello Gandini. Short of buying the show car, you could always go for an early Lamborghini Countach, which inherited the scissor doors and wedge shape of the concept. Faithful to the original, but not economical, the Countach.
Or, you could go the fiberglass route. Supposedly produced in a 400-unit run, the Aztec 7 by Fiberfab is executed quite well as far as kit cars go. A turbocharged VW 1600 engine and VW transaxle send power to the rear wheels, and if we had to guess, probably do a decent job of matching the acceleration of the 230hp V8 from the Carabo concept.
Year: 1979
Model: Fiberfab Aztec 7
Engine: 1600cc turbocharged 4-cylinder
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: 14,084mi
Price: $13,300
Location: Long Beach, CA
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1968 Fiber Fab Aztec 7
1968 Alfa Romeo Carabo inspired 70’s wedge! Hand built. A very loved and well cared for endangered species. Fiber Fab originally produced these rear engine cars called the Aztec 7. There were 400 produced. Possibly as few as 150 are left out there today. This car specifically has had a good life, finished in 1979 it still carries its original interior, wheels and drive train powered by a turbo charged 1600. Original photos of the car from 79’ when the car was completed are still with the car today. It’s been fun getting to know the history of this car and digging through the factory build manual and reading all the notes the he made as he was building the car. The last owner of the car gave it a nice refresh from paint to mechanicals in 2013. It’s recently had a transmission rebuild, new clutch and battery installed. The car starts right up, all electrical and headlights work as they should. Brakes and tires are fresh and the car handles well. All VDO gauges work well and are original to the car. Clean title and tags good till june of 2020, the car is turn key and ready to drive. The chassis below is showing only light surface rust in some spots, the rest of the body is fiberglass. Being all original (besides new paint and steering wheel) from 79’ she isn’t perfect but a lot of fun to drive. Climbing into a gull-wing wedge produces smiles for anyone involved. This would be a great car to show at Radwood LA in December. If you have questions about the car, I’ll do my best to answer them. I’m also happy to arrange a time for you to come see the Carabo in Long Beach, California.
The last owner hand wrote a letter that is still with the car, this is what it said:
This is Fiber Fab Aztec 7 tribute to the prototype by Alfa Romeo Bertone Carabo. It has been my baby since May of 2013. TLC has been lavished upon her by way of proper badging, front, back and sides, as well as shift knob and Luisi steering wheel. If it needed it, it was repaired or replaced. Featured in Kit Car Magazine January 1983, this is a lowered 1971 VW chassis with a BAE Ray Jay turbo charged 1600cc flat four motor the previous owner said he put $5,000 into. Registered in CA as a 1968 Alfa Romeo Carabo Replica with a coveted referee's sequence of number certificate, (means NO smogging) Gull Wing doors, Lamborghini Miura windshield, battery shut off switch, air height adjustable rear shocks, MSD electronic ignition, single side draft Weber fully adjustable racing carburetor with tuning manual, manual choke, Western Turbine wheels, new tires, Italian Vitaloni racing mirrors, ceiling console toggle switches, new radio. Original assembly manual included. Not perfect but very impressive. Growls and turns heads. Great wow factor. Currently insured and driven. Title in hand and in my name. I am going to miss this car.
VW running gear means that running costs should be quite manageable, and finding mechanical parts shouldn't prove to be an issue either. The condition of this example seems to be close to excellent, which makes sense in light of the low mileage.
We're not sure if this car makes more sense for the Alfa fan or the VW fan. I'm not so sure that the typical Alfisto has a garage stocked with air-cooled VW tools and supplies, nor do I think that the typical VW fan has a burning desire for a classic Bertone-inspired fiberglass car. In any case, the car looks to be an affordable entry into some serious Bertone design.
-Graham