17/06/2026
One of the most incredible and iconic races in the world has just come to an end: the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A breathtaking, grueling race that pushes body and mind to the absolute limit.
But let’s take a few steps back and discover when Alfa Romeo also took part and triumphed on the Circuit de la Sarthe...
Alfa Romeo's dominance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans is inextricably linked to the 1930s, a golden era in which the Italian brand claimed four consecutive overall victories between 1931 and 1934. The unbeatable weapon behind this historic poker of wins was the legendary 8C 2300 Le Mans, an eight-cylinder supercharged engineering masterpiece designed by Vittorio Jano. Legendary drivers such as Lord Howe, Henry Birkin, Raymond Sommer, and Luigi Chinetti took turns behind the wheel to break the resistance of French and German rivals.
Among these feats, the epic 1933 edition stands out, won by Tazio Nuvolari in a heart-pounding finish despite a leaking fuel tank makeshift-repaired with soap during pit stops. After World War II, the Biscione manufacturer chose to focus on the newly born Formula 1, but the bond with the French marathon was never completely broken.
In fact, between the 1960s and 1970s, the Autodelta racing department brought the iconic Tipo 33s to the track; while they didn't replicate the overall victory, they achieved memorable class wins and podium finishes. Those four historic consecutive victories nevertheless remain etched in legend, positioning Alfa Romeo among the immortal pioneers of the world's most famous endurance race.
Photo credits to the owners.
Club Alfa Romeo Italian Style
