Alfa Romeo: La Macchina Del Tempo
Alfa Romeo: La Macchina Del Tempo
Posted on March 22, 2023
Alfa Romeo’s racing history is a rich, legendary, and unique story of innovation and drives spanning back nearly one hundred years. With a track record of five world titles, the first two Formula 1 Championship, hundreds of trophies among Sports and Tourism categories, and more, the luxury brand has made its mark on the world of racing in more ways than one.
Eight years before becoming Alfa Romeo in 1918, A.L.F.A was established. The new brand quickly debuted in races with their first, great international victory won in the 1923 Targa Florio driven by Ugo Sivocci. Not only did this win set the stage for the legacy Alfa Romeo was just beginning, but the hood of the Targa Florio also displayed a four-leaf clover, a lucky charm that would soon become the symbol of all future Alfa Romeo race cars. Since the 1970’s the lucky charm or Quadrifoglio, has appeared on select production models such as the Giulia and Stelvio, certifying their sports mission and exclusive technology.
Two years later, in 1925, the GP Tipo P2, an innovative, reliable and extremely fast race car, would conquer the first world title for Alfa Romeo. The legacy continued throughout the rest of that decade and into the 1930’s as Alfa Romeo’s racing vehicles became unbeatable amongst its competitors, winning eleven editions of the Mille Miglia in Italy and four separate 24 Hour Le Mans races.
Following a hiatus due to the world war, the new Formula 1 World Championship was inaugurated in 1950. The introduction was celebrated with Alfa Romeo’s Tipo 159, driven by Giuseppe “Nino” Farina, and went on to win eleven victories in 11 races.
As Alfa Romeo concentrated its effort on re-launching production, they withdrew from the races, temporarily leaving behind an undefeated legacy on the track. In the 1960s, Alfa Romeo made its grand return to the races with the legendary Autodelta.
Learn more about Alfa Romeo’s fascinating and influential racing history.