The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale might have stolen the spotlight at the Auto e Moto d’Epoca event in Bologna (October 26-29), but the Italian brand had another special model on display, even if went somewhat unnoticed. The 4C Unica, the concluding iteration of the “Designer’s Cut” one-off special, was initially announced a few months ago to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the discontinued mid-engined sports car.
Offered in coupe and spider variants, the mid-engine Alfa Romeo 4C made its debut in 2013 and ceased production in 2020. However, the Stellantis Heritage Department decided to create one last special edition of the 4C that was customized by the original designer, Alessandro Maccolini, with input from the public.
Despite the undeniable cool factor of a one-off anniversary special based on a model that went out of production three years ago, Alfa Romeo appears to have intentionally downplayed its debut on its press and social media channels. As a result, the only photos and videos of the model were sourced from visitors to the Auto e Moto d’Epoca event.
More: 2028 Alfa Romeo 4E Spider Is Coming For The Porsche Boxster EV
Photos: Nicolò Mazzini / Alfattitude
The 4C Unica is an evolution of the light-blue Leggenda, one of the three original proposals alongside the red Tirbuto and the matte-gray Corsa. It is based on the 4C Coupe but features a unique livery consisting of a light blue shade with white stripes that run from the Scudetto grille to the rear diffuser. The graphics also include the Biscione serpent on the hood, which is also in white.
While the initial renderings showed multi-spoke alloy wheels, the final version is equipped with the more traditional phone-dial design, also finished in white. A video on social media reveals that the interior tastefully combines black and saddle leather, featuring a special one-of-one plaque.
The company did not provide details regarding any mechanical alterations compared to the standard 4C. It is likely that the model retains the carbon-fiber monocoque and the mid-mounted turbocharged 1.8-liter engine, which produces 236 hp (176 kW / 240 PS).
Interestingly, the Alfa Romeo 4C Unica is not just a show car or a museum piece, as it will be offered for sale. Stellantis suggests that the project is aimed at “passionate collectors” who want a piece of the history of the discontinued model. The company has yet to announce specific details, but it is safe to assume that the 4C Unica will come with a much higher price tag compared to the original. The same applies to the closely-related Abarth 1000 SP, with 1 out of the 5 planned examples also being exhibited at the same show in Bologna.
The car that keeps on giving: the @alfa_romeo 4C, presented at the 2023 Auto e Moto d’Epoca in Bologna as a “designer’s cut” one-off edition. pic.twitter.com/KipeBS5XdL
— alfattitude (@alfattitude) October 29, 2023