Initially named the Giardinetta, Alfa Romeo’s 33 estate car was redubbed the Sport Wagon in 1988 after the model’s facelift two years before. A variety of iterations were available, including the petrol-powered 1.3 S and the 1.7 Quadrifoglio Verde, as well as the diesel-powered 1.8 TD. Perhaps the most interesting example was the mid-range petrol 1.5, which also offered the versatility of four-wheel drive, proved to be an ideal feature in winter conditions in Northern Italy near Alfa Romeo’s headquarters in Milan

Delivered new to Luigi Checchi of Scandicci, Italy in April of 1988, the 1.5 4×4 Sport Wagon offered here remained with him for over twelve years, to a Chilian gentleman who was living in Florence and used the 33 primarily at his holiday home in the Swiss alps. He kept the car until 2019 when it was sold it a previous owner in Turin and was acquired by the consignor shortly thereafter. That previous owner repainted the car in its current shade of silver, as the original paint has some scratches and was showing signs of age.

More recently, the Alfa has been fitted with a new exhaust system and has passed its annual technical inspection in Italy without any faults. During a recent test drive, it was found that the four-wheel drive system was working properly and the car more than held its own in modern traffic against seemingly ubiquitous SUVs. This is an excellent choice for someone looking for four-wheel drive practicality with a touch of Italian flair.