Alfa Romeo Tipo 312
The three-litre V12 branch of Alfa Romeo’s 1938 Grand Prix effort.
A separate V12 Grand Prix model
The Tipo 312 is an archive entry for Alfa Romeo’s three-litre V12 Grand Prix car of 1938. It must be distinguished from the larger-engined 12C-36 and from later Ferrari models that also use the number 312. The combination of manufacturer, date and engine type is essential when searching records or identifying a photograph.
Three concurrent Grand Prix designations
Alfa Romeo’s account of the Alfetta’s origins explicitly names the Tipo 308, 312 and 316 as the marque’s Grand Prix cars while the smaller 158 was intended for voiturette racing. This establishes the separate programmes. It also guards against a common narrative shortcut: the later Alfetta’s championship achievements should not be assigned retrospectively to the Tipo 312.
Photographic evidence from Bern
The Klemantaski Collection identifies Jean-Pierre Wimille in a supercharged three-litre V12 Tipo 312 during practice for the 1938 Swiss Grand Prix at Bremgarten. Its published account links a named driver, event and car type to photographs from its own archive. That is valuable model evidence, although it does not identify a surviving chassis available for inspection today.
Technical fields and their evidence
This profile records the documented three-litre, supercharged V12 description. It does not populate exact displacement, output, weight or a factory production total from unsourced repetition. A nominal engine class and a precise measured displacement answer different questions. Leaving an exact field open is preferable to borrowing the 12C-36 museum’s 4064 cc and six-car figures.
Production is not the number of appearances
A list of drivers, race entries or photographs does not establish how many Tipo 312 chassis were built. One car can appear under several drivers, and several engines can be used in one chassis. The exact production field remains unfilled until a source defines the chassis group being counted. Any survivor claim also needs a continuous individual-car history.
A model-specific archive rather than an assumed survivor
The reference image candidates found for this entry are historical photographs, including the rights-managed Klemantaski archive. This batch does not install a substitute 12C-36 photograph as a Tipo 312 hero. The draft carries an editorial photo-review note, with a direct source link so a properly licensed image can be added later. Its identity remains tied to the documented 1938 V12 programme.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the 12C-36?
No. The cited photographic archive identifies the Tipo 312 as a supercharged three-litre V12.
Was it the championship-winning Alfetta?
No. Alfa Romeo’s account names 308, 312 and 316 separately from the voiturette-derived 158.
Why is the featured photo absent?
A matching photograph with verified reuse rights has not been secured for this import. The draft requires photo review before publication.
Related vehicle profiles
Primary references
Why this machine matters
The Tipo 312 is an archive entry for Alfa Romeo’s three-litre V12 Grand Prix car of 1938. It must be distinguished from the larger-engined 12C-36 and from later Ferrari models that also use the number 312. The combination of manufacturer, date and engine type is essential when searching records or identifying a photograph.
Built in limited numbers
Historical model verified; exact production and detailed technical values unconfirmed by primary references. No featured photo imported: matching photo requires a suitable licence.
Specifications
Factory specifications may vary by model year, market and configuration.
Identity & production
- Official model
- Alfa Romeo Tipo 312
- Country of manufacture
- Italy
Powertrain & performance
- Engine
- Supercharged three-litre V12; exact displacement and output unconfirmed
- Drivetrain
- Rear-wheel drive
