1-193-300 - National Motor Museum/Heritage Images

Achille Varzi in a Bugatti T51, winner of the Monaco Grand Prix, 1933. He was originally a motorcyclist. In 1928 he entered into a motor racing partnership with Nuvolari with a stable of Type 35 Bugattis. However in late 1928 he bought a P2 Alfa Romeo and set up on his own. During 1929 he won so many victories that Nuvolari bought a P2 so that he could compete on equal terms. This led to Varzi switching to Maserati, and in 1930 he earned the title of 'Champion of Italy'. In 1930 he also won the Targa Florio. The previous five Targas had been won by French Bugatti cars, therefore this was an important win in his career. In 1931 he switched again to a Type 51 Bugatti and had three victories, most notably the French Grand Prix. In 1934 he went back to Alfa Romeo and won 9 races with his P3 as well as the Mille Miglia in a Monza Alfa.