Alfa Romeo 179 classic car buy

Introduction and history of Alfa Romeo 179

The Alfa Romeo 179 represents a crucial era not only for Alfa Romeo but for Formula 1 as a whole. After their collaboration with Brabham ended, Alfa Romeo’s in-house motorsport division Autodelta stepped up for a full F1 comeback in 1979. The new 179, with its monocoque chassis made of aluminium and honeycomb structure, debuted at the Italian Grand Prix. The car succeeded the flat-12 Tipo 177, aiming to capture the ground-effect era’s technical demands. Its most memorable moment arrived in 1980, when Bruno Giacomelli secured pole at the United States Grand Prix—the brand's first F1 pole since 1951. Racing through a fiercely competitive field dominated by Cosworth DFV-powered teams, the 179 became a touchstone for technical development and Italian racing passion.

Model history

The Alfa Romeo 179 was born in response to shifting Formula 1 regulations and rapidly advancing aerodynamic concepts. Preceded by the short-lived Tipo 177, the 179 introduced a narrower 3.0-litre V12 engine—based on Carlo Chiti’s legendary Tipo 33 sports car designs—to suit the new era’s increasing emphasis on chassis and aero integration. A plethora of upgrades appeared throughout its life: 179B (with new front wing configuration and longer wheelbase for stability), followed by the 179C/179D, each refining suspension and intake layout. The car saw drivers like Mario Andretti and Bruno Giacomelli at the wheel, and competed until the arrival of the Alfa Romeo 182 in 1982.

Highlights of Alfa Romeo 179

One standout aspect is the advanced ground-effect aerodynamics with enlarged underbody tunnels and innovative hydro-pneumatic suspension, used to maximise cornering speeds under the new ground-effect rules. The 3.0-litre V12 engine—originally from Alfa’s endurance racers—delivered approximately 525 bhp, offering a distinctive alternative to the Cosworth-DFV units prevalent in the grid. The 179’s unmistakable red-and-white Marlboro livery and ‘snorkel ear’ air intakes made it an instantly recognisable piece of racing history. The 179D variant marked the endpoint of the series at the 1982 South African Grand Prix. Its eligibility for historic F1 events adds to its appeal for motorsport collectors.

Technical data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

Beyond the standard 179, notable variants include the 179B, 179C and 179D. The 179C introduced further ground-effect enhancements and distinctive ‘snorkel ear’ intakes, while the 179D capped the lineage with its final Grand Prix appearance. These specific updates, made for continual regulation adjustments and improved competition, mark the most sought-after versions for historic racing participation.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

Powered by a V12 with around 525 bhp and high-revving characteristics, the Alfa Romeo 179 offered excellent power delivery relative to its contemporaries. The chassis’ low weight and rigid design, combined with a ground-effect underbody, meant the car gained particular advantage in fast corners. Suspension upgrades, especially the hydro-pneumatic systems, compensated for changing ride height and FIA’s ban on sliding skirts in 1980. Manual gearbox configuration and sensitive set-up adjustments were par for the course in this period of F1. The most highlighted variant is the 179C, because of its unique aerodynamic refinements and its prominent use during the 1981 season, particularly at the Monaco Grand Prix.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and design

The 179 is a purebred single-seater where design serves performance. Gérard Ducarouge’s influence delivered a classic body profile optimised for aerodynamic efficiency. Period-correct liveries, predominantly Marlboro’s white and red, underscore its 1980s motorsport charm. The utilitarian cockpit is pared-back, designed for rapid access to vital controls and maximum driver focus. The use of lightweight aerospace materials and signature ‘snorkel’ inlets further differentiate the car. Options typical for road cars—such as accessories or comfort equipment—are absent here, reinforcing its singular motorsport focus.

Other relevant features

The 179’s direct eligibility for prestigious historic Formula 1 series (such as Masters Historic Formula One) enhances its desirability for collectors and drivers wishing to relive grand prix history in authentic machinery. Historical association with drivers like Andretti and Giacomelli add context and narrative depth.

Summary

The Alfa Romeo 179 epitomises Italian motorsport ingenuity, marking an essential page in F1’s ground-effect era. Every aspect—from its V12 engine to its aerodynamic details—reflects a relentless pursuit of performance against the backdrop of rapidly evolving regulations. As a rare collector piece and a staple of historic single-seater racing, the 179 offers a blend of technical prestige and racing heritage unique among classic Alfa Romeos.