1-193-615 - National Motor Museum/Heritage Images

Achille Varzi in a P2 Alfa Romeo Grand Prix car, in the Targa Florio race, Sicily, 1930. Varzi came first in this race. The previous five Targas had been won by French Bugatti cars, therefore this was an important win in his career. In this year he was given the title 'Champion of Italy'. He was originally a motorcyclist. 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. 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.