Alfa Romeo Grand Prix

Infobox Automobile


name = A.L.F.A. 40/60 GP
aka = A.L.F.A. GP
manufacturer = A.L.F.A.
parent_company =
production = 1914 (1921)
assembly = Italy
predecessor =
successor =
class = Race car
body_style = 2-seater open wheeler
layout =
platform =
engine = 4.5L straight four twin overhead cam
transmission =
wheelbase =
length =
width =
height =
ground_clearance =
front_track = 57.1 inches (1450 mm)
rear_track = 57.1 inches (1450 mm)
weight = Auto kg|870
fuel_capacity =
related =
similar =
designer = Giuseppe Merosi

A.L.F.A. 40/60 GP or GP was a fully working early racing car prototype made by the company now called Alfa Romeo. Only one example was built in 1914, which was later modified in 1921. This was creation of Giuseppe Merosi and was first Alfa Romeo DOHC engine. It had also four valves per cylinder, 90 degree valve angle and twin spark ignition. Usually Alfa Romeo DOHC engines are though to be Vittorio Jano's creations but the first one was Merosi's GP car. This kind of engine architecture was very new in those days, originating from 1912/1913 Peugeot designed by Swiss engineer Ernest Henry. The history of this kind of engine architecture isn't so clear but other cars with dual overhead camshafts in that era were made by Sunbeam, Delage and Humber. This 1914 GP car was intended to take part in French Grand Prix of that year, but for reasons unknown this never happened. In 1921 Giuseppe Campari took part in the Gentlemen G.P. in Brescia with the modified GP car, but was forced to retire due to a leaking radiator.Cite web|url=http://www.alfaromeo.com.au/default.asp?action=article&ID=17503|title=The Grand Prix from 1914|accessdate=2007-04-26|work=alfaromeo.com.au]

The GP engine had a displacement of 4.5 litres (4490 cc) and produced Auto bhp|88|0 at 2950 rpm and after modifications in 1921 Auto bhp|102|0 at 3000 rpm. The top speed of this car was 88-93 mph (140-149 km/h). It wasn't until 1920s when these dohc engines came to Alfa road cars like the Alfa Romeo 6C.

Notes

References

* [http://www.velocetoday.com/cars/cars_75.php VeloceToday.com] Retrieved on 2007-04-26.
*cite book | last = Borgeson | first = Griffith | title = The Alfa Romeo Tradition | publisher = Haynes (Foulis) Publishing Group Ltd. Somerset, UK | location = City | year = 1990 | isbn = 0854298754