The Alfa Romeo P3, P3 monoposto or Tipo B was a classic Grand Prix car designed by Vittorio Jano and was one of the Alfa Romeo 8C models. The P3 was the first genuine single-seat Grand Prix racing car and Alfa Romeo’s second monoposto after Tipo A monoposto (1931). The P3 was based on the earlier successful Alfa Romeo P2. Taking lessons learned from that car, Jano went back to the drawing board to design a car that could last in longer race distances.

The P3 was the first genuine single seat racing car and was powered by a supercharged eight-cylinder engine. The car was very light for the period, weighing just over 1,500 lb (680 kg), despite using a cast iron engine block.

The P3 was introduced in June, halfway through the 1932 Grand Prix season in Europe, winning its first race at the hands of Tazio Nuvolari. It went on to win six races that year and was driven by both Nuvolari and Rudolf Caracciola, including in all three major Grands Prix in Italy, France and Germany.

The 1933 Grand Prix season brought financial difficulties to Alfa Corse, so the cars were simply locked away and Alfa attempted to rest on their laurels. Enzo Ferrari had to run his breakaway ‘works’ Alfa team as Scuderia Ferrari, using the older, less effective Alfa Monzas. Alfa procrastinated until August and missed the first 25 events, and only after much wrangling was the P3 finally handed over to Scuderia Ferrari. P3s then won six of the final 11 events of the season, including the final two major Grands Prix in Italy and Spain.

The P3’s agility and versatility enabled it to win 16 of the 39 Grands Prix in 1935. The P3 had earned its place as a truly great racing car.