Gracing the cover of Griot’s Garage Handbook #271 are two amazing Italian machines: A 1934 Alfa Romeo Typo P3, and a 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C2300 Touring. The P3 is one of just seven made and was once driven to victory in the German Grand Prix. The Alfa Touring was purchased new by an Italian family famous for its scooters.
1934 Alfa Romeo Typo P3 – In 1934 there were seven P3’s made, and six of those cars were also used for the 1935 season… this was one of the six. It received extensive modifications by the Scuderia, including replacing the rigid front axle with a Dubonnet independent system, fitting hydraulic brakes, and adding 1/4 cantilevered rear springs. The car was once driven by Tazio Nuvolari to first place in the German Grand Prix. Imagine the visceral experience at its top speed of 165mph!
1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Touring – This fine automobile was purchased new by Andrea Mario Piaggio, of the family famous for airplanes (and scooters). It was used as a road car throughout the 30’s and 40’s, then donated in 1958 to the Museo dell’Automobile Carlo Biscaretti in Torino. The car is powered by an inline, supercharged, 2300cc 8-cylinder engine. The mill makes 142 bhp at 4,900 rpm and is mated to a 4-speed transmission.
[Source: Griot’s Garage]