Alfa Romeo Grand Prix

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	870 kg
Fuel capacity
Related
Similar
Designer	Giuseppe Merosi

A.L.F.A. 40/60 GP or GP was an early racing car prototype (fully running) made by company today called Alfa Romeo. Only one example was built in 1914. This same version was modified in 1921. This was creation of Giuseppe Merosi and was first Alfa Romeo DOHC engine, it had also 16 valve head and 90 degree valve angle. Usually Alfa Romeo DOHC engines are though to be Vittorio Janos creations but the first one was Merosi's GP car. This kind of engine architecture was very new on those days, originated from 1912/1913 Peugeot designed by Swiss Ernest Henry. The history of this kind engine architecture isn't so clear but some others with dual overhead camshafts on those days were Sunbeam, Delage and Humber. This 1914 GP car was intented to take part in French Grand Prix on that same year. But reason unknown this never happened. In 1921 Giuseppe Campari took part for Gentlemen G.P. in Brescia with modified GP car, but was forced to retire due to leaking radiator.

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