The Alfa Romeo 164 ProCar is a fascinating chapter in Alfa Romeo’s history. Let’s dive into its wild details:
- ProCar Series Context:
- The 164 ProCar emerged within the ProCar Series, an entertaining competition held before Formula 1 races.
- Unlike the original ProCar (where F1 drivers raced BMW M1s), this new series aimed to attract major automakers by using race cars that resembled mass-produced models but featured F1-derived chassis and engines.
- The Beastly Sedan:
- Alfa Romeo chose the premium-class 164 sedan as the base for the ProCar prototype.
- The exterior closely resembled the standard 164, except for an added rear spoiler for aerodynamics.
- However, beneath the surface, the 164 ProCar underwent a radical transformation.
- Carbon Fiber Wonder:
- The ProCar’s body was entirely crafted from carbon fiber, Kevlar, and Nomex (a fire-resistant material).
- Fixed central sections included the roof, front doors, and windshield, while removable front and rear structures completed the body.
- The faux rear doors and windows were made of Plexiglas.
- Formula 1 DNA:
- The chassis, developed by Brabham with input from Dallara, mimicked Formula 1 style.
- But the pièce de résistance was the mid-mounted 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine.
- Known as Tipo 1035, this screaming powerplant produced 620 hp at a spine-tingling 13,300 rpm and 340 Nm of torque at 9,500 rpm.
- Interestingly, the engine was originally built for Ligier Formula One but never made it to the F1 grid due to its weight.
In summary, the Alfa Romeo 164 ProCar blended elegance with sheer madness—a V10-powered sedan that defied convention! 🏁🚗🔥
1/43 Spark model photo by Scalecuda
Oldie style photos
164 PROCAR with Alfa Romeo 155 V6 DTM ’93
164 PROCAR with Matra Espace F1
