--- title: "Alfa Romeo’s Take on the Dodge Viper Had a Tailgate Like a Pickup Truck" date: "2025-07-27" modified: "2025-07-27" authors: - name: "Adam Ismail" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/adam-ismail" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/alfas-take-on-the-dodge-viper-had-the-weirdest-tailgate-of-any-supercar" categories: - "Alfa Romeo News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "Alfa Romeo" - "Coupe" - "dodge" - "Supercar" - "Viper" --- # Alfa Romeo’s Take on the Dodge Viper Had a Tailgate Like a Pickup Truck ![Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale Zagato rear quarter view]() *\Bring a Trailer\* It may be difficult to recall now, but there was some genuine optimism surrounding the merger between Fiat and Chrysler coming out of the recession. The Pentastar brands weren't exactly churning out compelling products, and such a union could only strengthen the Americans' attempts at building vehicles they historically weren't always stellar at, like small cars. [Then the Dart happened](), and the dream quickly evaporated. But hey, this period did also give us some jaw-droppingly beautiful novelties, like this 2010 Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale Zagato that's currently listed for sale on [Bring a Trailer](). Now, I've always been fond of [Dodge]() Vipers, and I've always been fond of [Alfa Romeo]() sports cars. The TZ3 is a match made just for me, mixing the bones of a Viper ACR-X and its 8.4-liter, 640-horsepower V10 with classic Zagato design. This thing is gorgeous, from its sculpted hood and teardrop headlights to its silhouette and wraparound rear window, with yet more glass integrated into the rear gate. It's that gate that I want to draw specific attention to here because, if you've never seen how it works on the TZ3, it's pretty interesting. That whole carbon fiber rear-facing piece with the integrated window is hinged at the bottom and drops down, like it would on a pickup truck. There are even cutouts for the circular brake lights. From there, you have a small aperture to shove things through, but it looks like you'll have to be a little careful not to put too much pressure on the panel itself as you're shuffling in your cargo. - ![Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale Zagato tailgate open]() - ![Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale Zagato tailgate open]() - ![Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale Zagato tailgate open]() [][][] It's silly and unconventional, but isn't that what Alfas are all about? Prioritizing form over function to some degree, or function over reliable, practical operation. The TZ3's interior is particularly amusing because it combines some hallmarks of Italian luxury, like caramel leather draped over every surface, with cues of Chrysler malaise that I recognize all too well, having grown up in a family that exclusively purchased Jeeps and Dodges. That head unit design, for example, is seared into my brain like the Jeep Liberty I was driven to school in. Anyway, this TZ3 Zagato currently sits at $300,000 with five days left on the listing. It was seemingly rear-ended just a few days after its initial delivery in 2012, which is unfortunate, but Zagato repaired the damage. That poor, beautiful tailgate. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() *Got a tip? Send us a note: tips@thedrive.com*[]()[]() ## Author Adam is a Senior Editor at The Drive, concentrating on curating and developing the site's slate of daily journalism, from initial pitch to final copy edit. When he's not at his desk researching leads and working with writers, he's testing vehicles or reviewing racing games, new and old. He joined The Drive in 2023, following seven years of covering consumer technology and cars. A car lover and gamer since his earliest memories, Adam came to know the automotive world through video games. First it was Daytona USA, Sega Rally, and Ridge Racer; then came Need For Speed, which inspired an encyclopedic knowledge of '90s supercars, and, of course, Gran Turismo. If not for them, he'd assuredly be doing something else right now. Adam is based in the suburbs outside Philly, where there are ample roads for his hot hatch to stretch its legs. In his car, he's probably listening to indie rock, drum and bass, or Yankees baseball. ### Author social links [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()