This is an example of the renowned Alfetta racing car that started life as the 158 in 1937 and then had its power gradually stepped up after the war to become the 159. It won a multitude of races as well as the World Championship for Nino Farina in 1950 and Juan Manuel Fangio in 1951. This admirable example of refined engineering had a straight-eight supercharged engine with a positive-displacement blower, single at first and then double-stage, while its power output was boosted to 225, 254, 310, 350 and 425 bhp, this being equivalent to a specific 283 hp/litre, a figure that was only outstripped many years later when Formula 1 engines began to be equipped with turbochargers. The model on display is a 159 with the 158 bodywork.
Presented by Alfa Romeo S.p.A., Milano
Engine: 8 cylinders
Capacity: 1479 cc
Max.power output: 425 bhp at 4800 rpm
Max.speed: 305 km/h
