Alfa Romeo Tipo 512


The Alfa Romeo Tipo 512 was intended for replacement for Alfa Romeo 158 Voiturette racing car. Designed by Wifredo Ricart as his second car for Alfa Romeo after V16-engined Alfa Romeo Tipo 162. The car was first mid-engined Alfa Romeo model. This racing car has flat 12 engine using mid-engine layout. With two Roots type superchargers, the engine
could produce up to per litre. The engine had very short stroke compared to other Grands Prix cars at that time, only . The potential of this machine is not so clear, since it is a prototype. The power of the engine measured at the bench was of at 8600 rpm. In the Alfa Romeo museum in Arese, alongside the 512 exposed is the following data:the maximum power at 11,000 rpm and maximum speed over.
The car development was finished in 1940 and stopped during World War II, another chassis was built also but this car never raced.
The Tipo 512 was first tested on September 12, 1940, by Alfa Romeo chief test driver Consalvo Sanesi, despite being very powerful its handling was not good
enough. June 19, 1940 Alfa Romeo's test driver Attilio Marinoni was killed while testing 512 suspension fitted to an Alfetta 158.
Alfa Romeo won the Formula 1 World Championship with the Alfetta 158 in 1950, taking the place for which 512 was originally designed.
Only 2 prototypes were created. Both are currently on display at the Alfa Romeo Historical Museum in Arese, Italy.