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Alfa Romeo P2 history.


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#1 prseagerthomas

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Posted 10 November 2015 - 22:52

My apologies if this subject has been covered before recently.

 

Alfa P2.

 

I’m hoping with this request for information, I will receive a similar response to my similar request for details on the Delage 2LCV.

 

There is a modest amount of information available on the Internet, a few books and of course, on the forums, but much of it is conflicting, some almost certainly untrue.

 

Most sources, including Fusi, state that 6 cars were built, but when is another matter. Photo evidence shows at least 4 cars competed for the 1924 European GP at Lyon. It appears at this race Ascari ran the only ‘manx’ car, which seems to have had the same front oil tank as the other cars and had the spare wheel retained by straps.

 

Four cars again were entered for the Italian GP, taking the first four places.

 

There seem to have been changes made to the cars for the 1925 season as the European GP (Spa) featured 3 entries with new manx tails. Behind the cockpit seems to be a separate oil filler, a fuel tank, and now spare wheel mounting by means of a central clamp. Larger brakes feature.

 

For the French GP I would suggest that cars of a similar spec were used, albeit fitted with alternative fuel tanks housed in a pointed tail. Were they the same cars, or were they the other 3 cars?

 

At the italian GP is appears that both Brilli-Peri and Campari ran with the earlier (smaller) front brakes.

 

There are suggestions that when the 2 litre formula came to an end, the cars were sold in 1926 thus;

 

Campari. Later sold to Varzi.

 

Brilli-Peri.

 

Count Bonmartini

 

Signor Nasturzio (Genoa) - converted to road use. I picture of this car probably exists with Ramponi at the wheel?

 

Kessler (Swiss) - Used for hill climbs including 1926 Klausen.

 

Vittorio de Rosa - to Argentina.

 

It seems both Brilli-Peri and Campari/Varzi used these cars regularly.

 

Suggestions have been made that Varzi sold his car back to Alfa Romeo after agreeing that he would drive it in the targa Florio in 1930

 

It has also been suggested that Brilli-Peri also sold his car back to Alfa prior to his death.

 

A third car, reputedly the Argentinian car, was also bought back by Alfa.

 

Evidence exists of both Nuvolari and Varzi racing the by then rebuilt cars in 1930. The the 8C arrived.

 

There is on a website a story about the car in the Alfa museum being that of Brilli-Peri, but of course if it was indeed the Brilli-Peri car bought back by Alfa, and converted, this cannot be true.

 

There has been doubt about the authenticity of the ‘Varzi’ car at the Turin museum. I’m guessing it is at least the basics of a converted P2.

 

A final query. On the Internet, there exist 2 images of Ascari carrying #1, which suggest the Italian GP. However, one has a pointed tail, the other has a manx tail and front oil tank. Opinions please.

 

I should be delighted to receive information either confirming or contradiction my comments/statements, and also welcome additional information.

 

Thank-you gentlemen all, Peter.


Edited by prseagerthomas, 11 November 2015 - 13:32.


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#2 Roger Clark

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Posted 12 November 2015 - 17:56

Have you got a copy of Simon Moore's Magnificant Monopostos? I'm away from my copy at the moment but it is the first place I would turn to for information about Grand Prix Alfas.

#3 prseagerthomas

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Posted 16 November 2015 - 20:14

Thank you for your reply Roger, apologies for the delay in mine.

 

The book in question is way beyond my means.

 

Best regards, Peter.



#4 Roger Clark

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Posted 25 November 2015 - 17:39

Peter, did you get my PM?