Alfa Romeo 159 info & specs

The Alfa Romeo 159, a worthy successor to the legendary 158, stands as a testament to the Italian automaker's commitment to innovation and racing excellence. Building on the 158's impressive foundation, the 159 took Alfa Romeo's Formula 1 presence to new heights, securing further victories and championships for the team. In this article, we delve into the specifications and accomplishments of the Alfa Romeo 159, which further solidified the automaker's place in the annals of Formula 1 history.

Alfa Romeo 159 Background

Following the extraordinary success of the Alfa Romeo 158, the 159 was developed to carry on the legacy of its predecessor. Introduced in 1951, the Alfa Romeo 159 was an evolution of the 158, featuring numerous refinements and improvements to remain competitive in the rapidly advancing world of Formula 1 racing. The 159 continued to race successfully until 1952, when Alfa Romeo officially withdrew from Formula 1 racing.

Alfa Romeo 159 Specifications

The Alfa Romeo 159 built upon the 158's proven design, with key enhancements that contributed to its competitive edge. The car's specifications were as follows:

Chassis: Like the 158, the 159 featured a tubular spaceframe chassis. However, the 159's structure was further refined and reinforced for improved rigidity, resulting in enhanced handling and stability.

Engine: The 159 retained the supercharged 1.5-liter straight-eight engine of its predecessor. However, engine modifications, including a new two-stage supercharger, enabled the 159 to achieve an impressive output of up to 450 horsepower.

Suspension: The 159 utilized a similar suspension setup as the 158, with independent double-wishbone suspension at the front and a De Dion axle with torsion bar springs at the rear. Further refinements were made to improve handling and responsiveness on the track.

Transmission: The 159 was equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, designed to effectively harness the engine's increased power output.

Brakes: Like the 158, the 159 employed drum brakes on all four wheels. However, the 159 featured larger brake drums and cooling fins, resulting in improved stopping power and reduced brake fade.

Alfa Romeo 159 Racing Achievements

The Alfa Romeo 159 continued the winning tradition established by its predecessor, claiming numerous victories and securing another World Championship for the team. Some of the 159's most notable achievements include:

1951 Formula 1 World Championship: Legendary driver Juan Manuel Fangio won the 1951 World Drivers' Championship behind the wheel of the Alfa Romeo 159, adding another prestigious title to the Italian automaker's collection.

Memorable Victories: The 159 claimed victory in several key races during the 1951 season, including the Swiss, Belgian, and Spanish Grand Prix, showcasing the car's continued prowess and competitiveness.

The Alfa Romeo 159 carried on the impressive legacy of the 158, demonstrating the automaker's commitment to innovation and racing success. With its advanced engineering, remarkable performance, and undeniable racing pedigree, the 159 contributed to Alfa Romeo's storied history in Formula 1. While the 159 marked the end of an era for the Italian team, its accomplishments continue to serve as a reminder of Alfa Romeo's passion for motorsport and dedication to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering.