This is the mysterious 1990 Alfa Romeo SE 048SP, which is a racing car that was constructed for use in the Group C category of motorsport, and was built Italian luxury car manufacturer, Alfa Romeo. The entire SE 048SP project was shelved forever in September of 1990, and since then, the car has been consigned to the Alfa Romeo Museum. Group C racing was first introduced by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) in 1982, and only continued on until 1993. As a response to the changing regulations of the early 1990’s, Alfa Romeo introduced this car shown here, the SE 048SP. The SE 048SP featured a chassis developed by Italian racing and road car maker, Abarth, and was originally fitted with a the 3.5-litre V10 engine. The SE 048SP was developed with the intention to replace the series of racing cars built by Italian automobile manufacturer Lancia known as the Lancia LC2 series. The 3.5L unit was originally developed by well-known automotive engineer Pino D’Agostino for use with the French-based Formula 1 racing team known as Équipe Ligier. This V10 power plant was pushed over from the aborted Alfa Romeo 164 pro-car, which was planned to be used in a special racing series, as a support event to Formula One Grand Prix. Eventually this engine would be deemed unfit for use in the SE 048SP, leaving the project to be ultimately canceled. The SE 048SP utilizes a carbon-fiber monocoque, and Giuseppe Petrotta a designer who had previous experience working with the Italian racing car manufacturer and former Formula One team, Osella, worked alongside aerodynamics specialist, Giorgio Comaschella, in order to produce a curvy, yet aggressive body design that was finished off with Alfa Romeo’s signature grille. The car re-appeared years later at the 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed where it was fitted with a 3.5-litre Ferrari V12 engine.
How many made? It’s believed that just 1 car was produced
Engine: Alfa Romeo Tipo 1035 3,495 cc (213.3 cu in) naturally aspirated 40 valve, DOHC V10/Ferrari 3,498 cc (213.5 cu in) naturally aspirated 60 valve, DOHC V12
Debut: n/a
Top Speed: n/a
0-60mph: n/a
Photo Credit: @pablorivasbao
Research: @rarecarsonly