The prestige of car competitions increased considerably in the mid-1920s. The Grand Prix racing was dominated by the Alfa Romeo P2 and the Bugatti Type 35. For safety reasons it was however not until the very early 1930s that the driver remained single on board, without an assistant.
Alfa Romeo designs a monoposto based on the characteristics of the P2. Constructed in 4 units in 1931, the Tipo A is an immediate failure. It is immediately superseded by the Tipo B P3 which dominates during the season 1932 with its 5 cars built. In 1934 the modifications of the rules of the Grand Prix invite to heavier cars, changing the limit from 700 to 750 Kg. The second series of 7 units of Tipo B P3 is characterized by an increased width and a 2.9 liter engine.
It is also the time of the Great Depression. Alfa Romeo was put under receivership in 1933 by the Italian government which is reluctant to spend money for competitions. The Scuderia Ferrari company then becomes an essential partner of Alfa Romeo, of which it will remain a subsidiary until 1940.
It is not possible to find today a Grand Prix Alfa Romeo in full original condition. The traceability of the gradual installation of more efficient equipment on these cars is poorly documented. The identification of the chassis was not recorded by the administrations of the Grand Prix and in spite of the very limited number of Grand Prix cars it is impossible to identify which specific chassis had participated in which competition.
The car for sale by RM Sotheby's in Paris on February 8 is the penultimate Tipo B P3 of the 1934 group. It was registered as number 46 by the Scuderia Ferrari during the seasons 1934 and 1935.
The bodywork, narrowed in 1932 style by one of its owners, was rebuilt in its correct 1934 configuration by another one a few years later. The engine was changed but the lot for sale includes beside the car a ancient 3.2-liter engine that had previously been fitted to this chassis. The authenticity of this car can hardly be surpassed by another example of its category. It is estimated € 3.8M, lot 161.
SOLD for € 3.9M including premium
Alfa Romeo designs a monoposto based on the characteristics of the P2. Constructed in 4 units in 1931, the Tipo A is an immediate failure. It is immediately superseded by the Tipo B P3 which dominates during the season 1932 with its 5 cars built. In 1934 the modifications of the rules of the Grand Prix invite to heavier cars, changing the limit from 700 to 750 Kg. The second series of 7 units of Tipo B P3 is characterized by an increased width and a 2.9 liter engine.
It is also the time of the Great Depression. Alfa Romeo was put under receivership in 1933 by the Italian government which is reluctant to spend money for competitions. The Scuderia Ferrari company then becomes an essential partner of Alfa Romeo, of which it will remain a subsidiary until 1940.
It is not possible to find today a Grand Prix Alfa Romeo in full original condition. The traceability of the gradual installation of more efficient equipment on these cars is poorly documented. The identification of the chassis was not recorded by the administrations of the Grand Prix and in spite of the very limited number of Grand Prix cars it is impossible to identify which specific chassis had participated in which competition.
The car for sale by RM Sotheby's in Paris on February 8 is the penultimate Tipo B P3 of the 1934 group. It was registered as number 46 by the Scuderia Ferrari during the seasons 1934 and 1935.
The bodywork, narrowed in 1932 style by one of its owners, was rebuilt in its correct 1934 configuration by another one a few years later. The engine was changed but the lot for sale includes beside the car a ancient 3.2-liter engine that had previously been fitted to this chassis. The authenticity of this car can hardly be surpassed by another example of its category. It is estimated € 3.8M, lot 161.
SOLD for € 3.9M including premium
1934 Alfa Tipo B P3 to be sold by @rmsothebys in Paris during @RetromobileFR week in February. There's no better way to spend €3.6-4.6m! pic.twitter.com/QUAuIfs6W5
— James Elliott (@JamesEatCandSC) November 18, 2016
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