Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s Paris sale.
The Alfa Romeo P3 racing cars are regarded as among the first of the highly-focused, narrow centre line ‘slipper’ bodied, open-wheeled Grand Prix cars. The were one of the first European designs to shun the ‘one plus one’ seating of previous Grand Prix cars designed to carry ride-in mechanics. The Tipo B P3 is one of Alfa Romeo’s most significant models, rated by many as the most beautiful and effective racing car of its era. Launched in 1931, it experienced instant success in Grand Prix competition, taking first place at Monza and a 1-2-3 in both the French and the German Grand Prix. Part-way through the season, Alfa Romeo fell bankrupt during the Great Depression but the racing team was salvaged by Scuderia Ferrari, which took over the running of the cars, enjoying continued success in 1932. This 1934 Alfa Romeo Tipo B P3, chassis no 50006, is the second of only nine Second Series cars made. It is also one of just three IFS Dubonnet front axle and reversed-quarter-elliptic rear spring cars produced; a technical aspect of particular importance to the well-informed connoisseur. Presented in highly original condition, well-documented and with full FIA papers, 50006 certainly defines the word ‘historic’.
Estimated at €3.6m – €4.6m
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