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  • Only nine Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale Zagato cars were ever built worldwide.
  • The Viper’s 8.4-liter naturally aspirated V10 delivers 640 hp and 605 lb-ft.
  • It recently sold for $632,000, surpassing auction pre-estimates significantly.

You may not have heard of the Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale Zagato before, but it stands out as one of the most striking cars of this century. With just nine examples ever built, it ranks among the rarest Alfa Romeos to wear the badge.

Also: Alfa’s Next Quadrifoglio Sports Car Might Not Be What You’re Expecting

Though it shares underpinnings with the Dodge Viper, the body is entirely different. The TZ3 trades brute-force aggression for something far more refined, blending classic Italian curves with handcrafted Zagato styling. Now, one of these elusive machines is heading back to market, offering a glimpse at what collectors are willing to spend for exclusivity carved in carbon fiber.

Not too long ago, a dealer in the US listed this TZ3 Stradale for sale with an eye-popping asking price of $675,000. Perhaps because the dealer failed to sell the car directly, it has since been listed for auction through Bring a Trailer, and hopes to sell it through there. There’s no word on what the reserve is, but it’s probably close to the $675k mark.

There’s no doubt this car is worth a lot. Last August, it sold for $632,000, well above pre-auction estimates of between $450,000 and $550,000. We have no idea how someone could part ways with a car as gorgeous as this so soon after picking up the keys to it, but clearly, the dealer is hoping to turn a nice little profit on the limited-run Zagato.

In designing the car, Zagato took inspiration from several models it built in the mid-1960s. All of the new body panels are made from lightweight carbon fiber, and there’s also a new double bubble roof and a classic Scudetto Alfa Romeo front grille. It’s painted in a spectacular shade of Dark Blue Metallic and, despite being 15 years old, has been driven just 1,900 miles (3,057 km).

Under the Skin, All Viper

The Dodge Viper’s 8.4-liter naturally-aspirated V10 remains untouched, pumping out 640 hp and 605 lb-ft of torque. The car was serviced in June with new spark plugs, and coupled to the mighty V10 is a six-speed Tremec manual. Last month, the steering rack was also rebuilt, the front coilovers were replaced, and new rear end links were installed.

For those of you with a few hundred grand burning a hole in your pocket and a soft spot for Italian flair mixed with American muscle, this might just be your unicorn. It’s rare, loud, and weirdly elegant. Check out the listing here.

BaT