Alfa Romeo's 8 Best Racing Cars Of All Time

The Rich History of Alfa Romeo Racing

Sad news, my friends. This year marks Alfa Romeo's last year in Formula One. But fear not, for this is merely a temporary setback. Alfa Romeo will surely return to the racing scene in the future. In the meantime, let us take a moment to appreciate the incredible motorsport works that Alfa Romeo has blessed us with. Today, we embark on a journey through time, celebrating Alfa Romeo's best racing cars.

The Birth of a Legend: The 40-60 Horsepower

Let us begin at the very beginning, where it all started. In 1913, Alfa Romeo introduced the 40-60 Horsepower, their first-ever racing car. This car made history in 1920 when it won the Targa Florio race, piloted by none other than Enzo Ferrari himself. The 40-60 Horsepower paved the way for Alfa Romeo's future success in the racing world.

The RL: Alfa Romeo's Post-War Triumph

After the glory of the 40-60 Horsepower, Alfa Romeo's RL took center stage. This post-war sports car, powered by a straight six engine, revolutionized the racing scene. The RL came in various guises, from the standard Turismo and sport versions to the racing variant known as the rltf or Targa Florio. The racing version, weighing only half as much as the road-going car, boasted double the horsepower and became a force to be reckoned with in the hands of talented drivers like Giulio Masetti, Hugo Sivocci, and Antonio Ascari. It was during this era that Alfa Romeo adopted the now-iconic green Cloverleaf emblem as their good luck symbol.

The Mighty GT V6: Living Up to the Legend

Alfa Romeo's GT V6 had big shoes to fill. Following the success of the RL, expectations were high for this new creation. And boy, did it deliver. Initially introduced as a rally car, the GT V6 proved its worth by winning the 1975 Elba and Costa Bravo rallies and dominating the European Touring Car Championship. With a V6 engine, balanced chassis, and race-derived inboard brakes, the GT V6 became a force to be reckoned with. It even clinched the BTCC title in 1983, thanks to the skillful driving of Andy Rouse.

The P2 and P3: Shaping Alfa Romeo's Racing Future

The P2 was Alfa Romeo's second attempt at a pure racing car, and it set the stage for the future of the brand. With a straight eight engine and a supercharger, the P2 made its mark by achieving an average speed of nearly 100 miles per hour in 1924. The following year, it won the first-ever Automobile World Championship. But it was the P3 that truly stole the show. With its beautifully designed body and impressive performance, the P3 became a legend in its own right, forming the basis of the new Scuderia Ferrari privateer team.

The 8C 2300: A Sturdy Beauty

The 8C 2300 was a testament to Alfa Romeo's engineering prowess. This car featured a unique engine design, with two four-cylinder blocks cast with the heads, eliminating the risk of head gasket failure. With its debut win at the 1931 Le Mans 24 Hours, followed by victories in the Targa Florio and Italian Grand Prix, the 8C 2300 proved its durability and dominance on the track.

The Julia GTV: A Beautiful Transformation

The Alfa Romeo Julia GTV was already a stunning car, but it underwent a remarkable transformation to become the mighty GTA and gtam. Developed by Auto Delta, the GTA was a lightweight version of the Julia GTV, featuring aluminum panels, plastic side windows, and magnesium alloy wheels. With its powerful engine and lightweight construction, the GTA dominated the European Touring Car Championship in the late '60s. Its successor, the gtam, continued the winning streak, clinching titles and even winning the Spa 24 Hours.

The Iconic Alfa Romeo 155: A Working Class Hero

The Alfa Romeo 155 holds a special place in the hearts of many car enthusiasts. Whether in BTCC or DTM spec, this car was a true working-class hero. The 155's twin spark technology, developed before World War I, proved to be a winning formula, leading to victories in the British Touring Car Championship and the DTM. With its powerful V6 engine, the 155 V6 TI dominated the DTM in 1993, cementing its place as one of the most successful DTM cars of all time.

The Alfa Romeo Alfaetta: A True Champion

Last but certainly not least, we come to the Alfa Romeo Alfaetta. This car holds a special place in Alfa Romeo's racing history as their only Formula One champion. Designed before World War II, the Alfaetta became unstoppable in the early years of Formula