prix cars of the era; P1, P2 and P3 amongst others. Additionally there are examples of Alfas that created the marque’s reputation in other famous theatres of motor sport; RL Targa Florio, 8C 2300 Le Mans and 8C 2900B Le Mans. These are the types of Alfas that were raced at Brooklands. Occasionally entries came from the factory team – three works’ 6C 1500s were entered in the first Double 12 in May 1929, Giulio Ramponi beating Sammy Davis by the incredibly close margin of 0.0003 seconds on handicap. More often the Milanese cars were privately entered, with Brian Lewis, Tim Birkin, Earl Howe and John Cobb amongst those to have featured in Alfa Romeos. Mention of Nuvolari begs the question did he race at Brooklands? Sadly no, but he tested in advance of the final meeting in 1933 but was called away on business and hence never raced at Brooklands.
Fangio’s 159 Alfetta.
A ghostly image of Nuvolari overlooks one of his racing cars.
The final level covers the 1950s racing history and after, starting with poster biographies of Farina and Fangio cars alongside the Alfetta grand prix cars in which they won the first two Formula One World Championships. The tour ends with various competition cars from the 60s to the 90s. These include a 1970s Alfa-engined Brabham BT45B grand prix car designed by Gordon Murray, who was such a fascinating guest speaker at the 2014 Brooklands Trust Members’ Annual Dinner.
Time to retire to the museum’s stylish
bar-come-restaurant for refreshment, having been overcome by all this Alfa Romeo ‘fever’. Does Brooklands induce such a fever? Most certainly, but, rather like Satta Puliga’s Alfa Romeo observation, it is beyond rational definition.
The Museo Storico Alfa Romeo is open every day except Tuesdays, 10.00am to 6.00pm (10.00pm on Thursdays) and can be found just off the A8/9 (Milan-Como) motorway. Leave at the Lainate-Arese exit following signs for Arese and you will eventually pick up the brown Museo Storico Alfa Romeo signs.
www.museoalfaromeo.com
Gordon Murray-designed Brabham BT45.
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