Alfa Romeo 158 specs & info

Alfa Romeo's F1 car of 1950

The Alfa Romeo 158 holds a special place in the hearts of Formula 1 fans and automotive enthusiasts alike. A groundbreaking vehicle with an impressive history, the 158 F1 car was one of the most dominant racing machines of its time, securing Alfa Romeo's place in the annals of motorsport history. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the specs and accomplishments of this legendary car, which has come to symbolize the spirit of competition and technological innovation that characterizes Formula 1 racing.

Alfa Romeo 158 Background

The Alfa Romeo 158, also known as the Alfetta (Little Alfa), was a racing car designed and built by the Italian car manufacturer in the late 1930s. The car made its debut in 1938 and continued to race successfully through the early 1950s, during which time it underwent several modifications and improvements. The 158's most notable achievements include winning the inaugural Formula 1 World Championship in 1950 and securing the Drivers' and Constructors' titles for Alfa Romeo in the same year.

Alfa Romeo 158 Specifications

The Alfa Romeo 158 was a remarkable feat of engineering for its time. The car's specifications were as follows:

Chassis: The 158 featured a tubular spaceframe chassis, which provided a lightweight and rigid structure, ensuring excellent handling and stability on the track.

Engine: At the heart of the Alfetta was a supercharged 1.5-liter straight-eight engine, which initially produced around 195 horsepower. Over the years, the engine was upgraded and refined, ultimately reaching an output of 425 horsepower by the end of its racing career.

Suspension: The 158 was equipped with independent double-wishbone suspension at the front and a De Dion axle with torsion bar springs at the rear. These advanced suspension systems allowed for optimal grip and cornering ability on the racetrack.

Transmission: The car featured a 4-speed manual transmission, which was later upgraded to a 5-speed unit to better harness the engine's increased power output.

Brakes: The 158 utilized drum brakes on all four wheels, which were later upgraded to more effective hydraulic brakes to cope with the car's ever-increasing performance capabilities.

Alfa Romeo 158 Racing Achievements

The Alfa Romeo 158 was an incredibly successful racing car, dominating the European racing scene before making its mark on the newly-formed Formula 1 championship. Some of the 158's most notable achievements include:

Inaugural Formula 1 World Championship: The 158 claimed victory at the first-ever Formula 1 race, the 1950 British Grand Prix, with driver Giuseppe Farina behind the wheel. Farina went on to secure the first-ever F1 World Drivers' Championship in the same year.

Unbeaten Streak: The Alfetta enjoyed an unbeaten streak of 28 consecutive Grand Prix victories from 1947 to 1951, a record that remains unbroken to this day.

The Alfa Romeo 158 is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and successful racing cars in the history of Formula 1. Its combination of innovative engineering, relentless performance, and stunning aesthetics made it a force to be reckoned with on the racetrack. Today, the 158 serves as a symbol of the pioneering spirit and passion for motorsport that continues to drive Alfa Romeo and Formula 1 forward, inspiring new generations of racing enthusiasts and engineers alike.