Alfa Romeo Tipo 312
The Alfa Romeo Tipo 312, 312 or 12C-312 was a 3-litre formula racing car that was used in the 1938 Grand Prix season; drivers were Raymond Sommer, Giuseppe Farina, Eugenio Siena, Clemente Biondetti, Carlo Pintacuda, Jean-Pierre Wimille, Gianfranco Comotti, Piero Taruffi and Pietro Ghersi.
| Category | Grand Prix 3 litre | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constructor | Alfa Romeo | ||||
| Designer(s) | Gioacchino Colombo | ||||
| Technical specifications | |||||
| Chassis | Aluminum tube chassis | ||||
| Suspension (front) | independent, transverse leaf spring and two longitudinal guides | ||||
| Suspension (rear) | independent, transverse leaf spring with hydraulic shock absorbers | ||||
| Engine | Alfa Romeo 2995 cc V12 supercharged 320 hp (239 kW) @ 6500 rpm front engined, longitudinally mounted | ||||
| Transmission | Alfa Four-speed Manual | ||||
| Competition history | |||||
| Notable entrants | Alfa Corse | ||||
| Notable drivers | Raymond Sommer Giuseppe Farina Eugenio Siena Clemente Biondetti Carlo Pintacuda Jean-Pierre Wimille Gianfranco Comotti Piero Taruffi Pietro Ghersi | ||||
| Debut | 1938 Tripoli Grand Prix | ||||
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Tipo 312 was one of three Alfa Romeo cars designed for the new rules in 1938, which differed mainly by the engine; the other two cars were the Alfa Romeo Tipo 308 with straight-8 engine and Alfa Romeo Tipo 316 with a V16 engine. The car was based on unsuccessful Alfa Romeo 12C-37; it was made easier to control than its predecessor. The engine in 312 is 3-litre 60° V-12 with roots supercharger; it was more powerful than 308 but it was still not really competitive with German rivals.
