The Alfa Romeo Tipo B — universally known as the P3 — stands as one of the defining machines of pre-war Grand Prix racing. Designed by Vittorio Jano and introduced in 1932, it dominated circuits across Europe for three seasons. CMC has captured a specific, fully documented race entry: car No. 42, driven by Louis Chiron for Scuderia Ferrari at the 1933 Marseille Grand Prix, a Formula Libre event.
Vittorio Jano's Masterpiece: The Alfa Romeo Tipo B
Introduced in 1932, the Tipo B was the first purpose-built single-seat Grand Prix car produced by Alfa Romeo. Jano's design centred on a twin-supercharged straight-eight engine displacing 2.65 litres in its original form, producing around 215 hp, with later variants enlarged to 2.9 litres and upward of 270 hp. A distinctive split-axle rear transmission distributed drive to the rear wheels without a conventional differential, a technical solution rare for its era. The car won nearly every major Grand Prix it entered between 1932 and 1935.
Race No. 42: Chiron, Scuderia Ferrari and Rosso Corsa at Marseille
By 1933, Alfa Romeo's factory racing programme had been handed to Scuderia Ferrari, which campaigned the P3s in Italian Racing Red — rosso corsa. Louis Chiron, the Monegasque driver regarded as one of the finest talents of the inter-war era, joined the team that season and delivered a string of victories including the French GP and the Marseille Grand Prix. The 1933 Marseille GP was a non-championship Formula Libre event; Chiron took the win with car No. 42, a result that is both specific and fully verifiable — precisely the kind of provenance serious collectors seek.
CMC's 1:18 Scale Model: Die-Cast Metal, Photo-Etched Precision
CMC — Classic Model Cars — has built a reputation for pre-war racing car reproductions that prioritise mechanical fidelity over simplified casting. This 1:18 resin and die-cast metal model of the Tipo B incorporates photo-etched components and individually machined detail parts, the approach CMC applies across its pre-war series. Wire-spoke wheels, fabric-wrapped elements and working throttle linkages are characteristic of CMC's construction philosophy. The result is a model that rewards close inspection from every angle, consistent with CMC's standing among collectors of early Grand Prix machinery.
Frequently asked questions
What race does this model represent?
It represents Louis Chiron's winning entry, car No. 42, at the 1933 Marseille Grand Prix — a Formula Libre event — under Scuderia Ferrari management.
Who designed the Alfa Romeo Tipo B (P3)?
The Tipo B was designed by Vittorio Jano and first raced in 1932. Its twin-supercharged straight-eight engine and split-axle rear transmission made it technically distinctive for its era.
Who was Louis Chiron?
Louis Chiron was a Monegasque racing driver and one of the leading Grand Prix talents of the inter-war period. In 1933 he drove for Scuderia Ferrari and won several major Grands Prix, including the French GP and the Marseille Grand Prix, in the Alfa Romeo P3.
What materials does CMC use for this model?
CMC builds the model in die-cast metal with photo-etched and machined detail parts, a construction approach the manufacturer applies across its pre-war Grand Prix series.
