From humble beginnings rebuilding Lancia Aurelias in a home garage during the 1990s to a thriving workshop in an industrial park near Zandvoort, the Schouwenburg brothers have built an unparalleled reputation for their work on Italian classic cars at Strada e Corsa. Their journey has seen them become leading specialists in rare and underappreciated Italian gems, with remarkable restorations of Siatas and Fiat 8Vs that have propelled these iconic cars back into the spotlight.
A Passion Passed Down Through Generations:
The story of Strada e Corsa begins with their father, a doctor whose love for Italian cars fueled the family’s passion. Lennart Schouwenburg, the younger of the two brothers, recalls, “When I was born, I was collected from the hospital in a green Alfa Romeo Duetto – a car we still own today.” Their father’s enthusiasm was infectious, with his collection and racing experiences – including a Ferrari 250 SWB raced in the 1970s – shaping the brothers’ futures.
“It was a family affair,” says Lennart. “My brother Jurri rebuilt the suspension on an Aurelia when he was just 14. That sparked a deep passion for the mechanical side of these extraordinary cars.” Their father worked on cars himself in a garage next to their home, and soon enough, the Schouwenburg brothers were following in his footsteps. Jurri took on servicing the cars for their father’s friends, while Lennart, with his knack for problem-solving, became the go-to person for ordering rare parts, often overcoming language barriers by contacting Italian specialists directly.
A Natural Evolution:
The transition from hobbyists to experts was a natural one for the Schouwenburgs. What started as a love for Italian cars evolved into a thriving business. The first customer of Strada e Corsa was an original Alfa Romeo 1900, and the brothers have continued to serve both loyal clients and new enthusiasts with the same dedication ever since.
A pivotal moment in their journey came when a client asked the Schouwenburgs to restore a Zagato-bodied Siata. The brothers had little experience with the Fiat 8V-powered sports cars, but soon found themselves captivated by these unique vehicles. Since 2008, Strada e Corsa has been involved with 26 Fiat 8Vs, including several that have gone on to win top honors at prestigious events such as Pebble Beach and Villa d’Este. “We manage the entire restoration process,” explains Lennart, “from mechanical work to assembly, while collaborating with trusted Italian specialists for the body and paint. We believe in finding the best professionals, rather than trying to be a one-stop shop.”
Engineering Innovation Meets Authenticity:
At Strada e Corsa, it’s not just about restoration – it’s about innovation with respect for the original design. The team has made significant investments in the remanufacture of new parts, including the development of a new 8V engine. “We maintain authenticity, but we’ve refined the engineering to make the 8V more reliable,” Lennart explains. “We’ve improved the gears with better steel, and the alloy castings are now stronger.”
The brothers’ expertise doesn’t stop there – Strada e Corsa has also become renowned for its work on Aurelias and early Alfa Romeo Giuliettas. The team has brought together a group of skilled professionals: Matthijs Borst, who specializes in machining, Daan Stralea, an expert in electrics, and Twan Smit, who supports Lennart with parts and sales.
A Passion That Runs Deep:
For the Schouwenburg brothers, their work at Strada e Corsa isn’t just a business – it’s a lifelong passion. Their love for Italian cars transcends their professional lives. Jurri, for example, races an Alfa Romeo GTA, while Lennart has a particular fondness for later competition Alfas, especially the DTM models. “We’d love to bring our 1993 championship-winning Alfa Romeo 155, driven by Larini, to Goodwood someday,” Lennart says with excitement.
Strada e Corsa is more than just a restoration business; it’s a testament to a lifelong dedication to preserving and enhancing the beauty and engineering of Italian automotive history. The Schouwenburg brothers have not only revived some of the most celebrated cars in the world, but they’ve also set a new standard in the world of classic car restoration.
If you’re a collector, an enthusiast, or simply a lover of Italian cars, Strada e Corsa is the place where passion meets craftsmanship. Their work goes beyond restoring cars – it’s about preserving history and elevating automotive artistry to new heights.
Source: Classic Sports
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