Edward Glynn Bloomquist, a passionate Texan entrepreneur and one of the 33 privileged owners of the new Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, recently had an unforgettable experience at the Alfa Romeo History Museum in Arese. Here, he finalized the bespoke details of his custom-built car, immersing himself in the “Bottega Alfa Romeo” process alongside the project’s leading figures.
During his exhilarating visit, Mr. Bloomquist worked closely with the Alfa Romeo team to refine exclusive features of his vehicle. His car, resplendent in Rosso Villa d’Este with a distinctive white stripe and adorned with the number 14, pays homage to his racing idols, Enzo Ferrari and Anthony Joseph “A.J.” Foyt. As a true Alfista, Bloomquist is eager to embrace the full spectrum of emotions that only an Alfa Romeo can deliver, whether on the track or the sunlit roads of Texas.
Alfa Romeo’s rich heritage in the United States dates back to Tazio Nuvolari’s historic victory at the 1936 Vanderbilt Cup and extends through the 1960s with driver Horts Kweck’s successes in the Touring class. The new 33 Stradale epitomizes a blend of artisanal craftsmanship, technological innovation, and customer-driven design, showcasing Alfa Romeo’s prowess in style and driving experience.
“I was born in a hospital on an air force base, maybe that’s where my love of speed and maximum performance comes from,” Bloomquist shared, recounting his journey to the Alfa Romeo team. His visit to the Alfa Romeo Museum in Arese was particularly poignant, as it houses some of the world’s most beautiful cars, including the historic 33 Stradale that inspired the new custom model.
At the iconic Sala del Consiglio, the same venue where the original 33 Stradale was approved in 1967, Bloomquist met with designers, engineers, and historians. This collaboration resulted in unique, personalized vehicles that serve as a “manifesto” of Alfa Romeo’s capabilities in both style and performance. Each of the 33 Stradales is a masterpiece, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, echoing the traditions of renowned Italian coachbuilders like Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera.
Bloomquist’s passion for motorsport began with his father’s love for American racing and muscle cars. This enthusiasm eventually led him to Indianapolis, where he managed marketing for his winery photographic company at the legendary Indianapolis 500. His fond memories include sponsoring driver Jimmy Vasser, who set a speed record as a rookie in the Indy 500. These experiences fueled his interest in European motorsport, particularly the storied histories of Alfa Romeo and Ferrari.
His fascination with Italian motorsport deepened after reading about Enzo Ferrari’s integral role with Alfa Romeo. This passion culminated in his acquisition of several Italian automotive gems, including a limited-edition Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, which he had the privilege of driving at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin. It was here that he met Cristiano Fiorio, head of the 33 Stradale project, who offered him the opportunity to own one of these exclusive cars. “I didn’t take long to accept the idea of becoming one of the 33 customers of the new Alfa Romeo custom-built car, as long as it was red and red alone,” Bloomquist reminisced.
Bloomquist’s 33 Stradale features a multilayer Rosso Villa d’Este livery with a rare horizontal white band, paying tribute to the 1960s Tipo 33. He carefully selected the position of the Quadrifoglio and Autodelta logos, new 20” alloy wheels, and a luxurious two-tone interior. The number 14, a nod to Ferrari and Foyt, is prominently displayed both inside and outside the car. This configuration embodies a perfect blend of Italian and American motorsport heritage.
“I can’t wait to get my hands on the steering wheel of my 33 Stradale and hear the sound of its 3.0L twin-turbo V6 engine with over 620 hp,” Bloomquist concluded. “In and around central Texas, where I live, there are plenty of fantastic streets and circuits where I racetrack all my cars, and my Alfa Romeo custom build will be no exception.”
Alfa Romeo’s legacy in American motorsport is illustrious, marked by victories such as Nuvolari’s 1936 Vanderbilt Cup win and numerous triumphs by the Giulia TZ, Giulia Sprint GTAs, and the Tipo 33 at iconic circuits. This rich history continues to inspire enthusiasts like Bloomquist, who proudly carry forward the brand’s heritage and passion for racing.
