Insight: Alfa Romeo T33-2 No.178 Teddy Pilette Rob Slotemaker 5th Targa Florio 1968
Overview of the Alfa Romeo T33-2 No.178
The Alfa Romeo T33-2 No.178, driven by the skilled pairing of Teddy Pilette and Rob Slotemaker to a fifth-place finish at the 1968 Targa Florio, embodies Alfa Romeo’s bold entry into the competitive world of sports car racing. Developed by Autodelta, this evolution of the original T33 featured a potent 2.0-liter V8 engine producing approximately 270 horsepower, paired with a lightweight chassis designed for agility on the demanding Sicilian circuit. Its distinctive “periscope” air intake and refined aerodynamics marked a significant step forward, showcasing Alfa’s engineering ambition during a period dominated by Porsche and Ford.
Performance at the 1968 Targa Florio
The 1968 Targa Florio highlighted the Alfa Romeo T33-2 No.178’s resilience, with Pilette and Slotemaker securing fifth place over the grueling 72-lap, 720 km course. Despite facing stiff competition from Porsche’s 907 and Ford’s powerful GT40s, the T33-2’s nimble handling and strategic pit work allowed it to excel on the narrow, twisting roads. This result contributed to Alfa Romeo’s success in the 2-litre class, earning the car the nickname “Daytona” after its earlier class win at the 24 Hours of Daytona, cementing its reputation as a formidable contender.
Legacy and Historical Significance
The Alfa Romeo T33-2 No.178 holds a cherished place in motorsport history as a testament to Alfa Romeo’s perseverance in the late 1960s. Its fifth-place finish at the Targa Florio, alongside class victories at Monza and Nürburgring, underscored the T33-2’s reliability and potential, paving the way for the later T33/3’s successes. Driven by the experienced Slotemaker and the up-and-coming Pilette, this car reflects the era’s blend of driver talent and mechanical innovation. It remains a celebrated symbol of Italian racing heritage and the enduring allure of the Targa Florio’s challenging legacy.
