The Alfa Romeo P2 is a 1920s Grand Prix racing car that won the first Automobile World Championship in 1925. Designed by Vittorio Jano, it was one of the iconic Grand Prix cars of the decade, alongside the Bugatti Type 35. This page covers the key facts, the history, the design and the questions people ask most often.
Alfa Romeo P2 at a glance
| Manufacturer | Alfa Romeo |
|---|---|
| Designer | Vittorio Jano |
| Introduced | 1924, at the Circuit of Cremona |
| Racing years | 1924 to 1930 |
| Engine | Alfa’s first straight-eight supercharged engine, with two carburettors |
| Total built | Six original models |
The English article gives six original cars and says two survive. Power figures for the P2 are in the technical section of the source and are not repeated here.
History
The P2 was introduced for the Circuit of Cremona in 1924, where Antonio Ascari won. It then won the speed trial at 195 km/h. Vittorio Jano had been recruited from Fiat by Enzo Ferrari, and the P2 was his first creation at Alfa Romeo, after the P1 was scrapped following its poor performance at the 1923 Monza Grand Prix.
In 1925 the P2 won the inaugural Automobile World Championship, taking victory in two of the four rounds. Ascari won the European Grand Prix at Spa, and Gastone Brilli-Peri won the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. From 1924 to 1930 the P2 won 14 Grands Prix and major events, including the Targa Florio.
Design and features
- Alfa’s first straight-eight supercharged engine, with two carburettors placed after the compressor.
- Two body styles, with a cut-off or a long rear.
- A laurel wreath added to the Alfa Romeo logo after the team became world champions.
Variants
- P2 short-tail: the cut-off rear body style.
- P2 long-tail: the long rear body style.
See also: the Alfa Romeo collection, the Alfa Romeo P3 and the Alfa Romeo 8C.
Alfa Romeo P2 questions and answers
What did the P2 win?
The first Automobile World Championship, in 1925.
Who designed the P2?
Vittorio Jano, recruited from Fiat.
How many P2s survive?
Two of the six original models, according to the English article. They are in the Alfa Romeo Museum in Arese and the Turin Automobile Museum.
Video: Alfa Romeo P2 at LMBC Slavkov 2011
Video on YouTube.
Sources
- Alfa Romeo P2, English Wikipedia: 1925 championship, 1924–1930 results, Jano, surviving cars
- Alfa Romeo P2, Russian Wikipedia: Grand Prix car of the 1920s, history
- 1924–30 Alfa Romeo P2-30, Turin museum, Wikimedia Commons: photo and licence
