Insight: Alfa Romeo T33-2 Autodelta No.182 Giancarlo Baghetti Giampiero Biscaldi 6th Targa Florio 1968
Overview of the Alfa Romeo T33-2 Autodelta No.182
The Alfa Romeo T33-2 Autodelta No.182, driven by the seasoned Giancarlo Baghetti and Giampiero Biscaldi to a sixth-place finish at the 1968 Targa Florio, represents a key moment in Alfa Romeo’s motorsport resurgence. Developed by Autodelta, this evolution of the T33 featured a potent 2.0-liter V8 engine delivering around 270 horsepower, paired with a lightweight chassis and a distinctive “periscope” air intake for improved aerodynamics. Its sleek design and robust engineering made it a competitive force on the demanding Sicilian circuit, showcasing Alfa’s ambition in the late 1960s racing scene.
Performance at the 1968 Targa Florio
The 1968 Targa Florio highlighted the Alfa Romeo T33-2 Autodelta No.182’s endurance, with Baghetti and Biscaldi securing sixth place over the grueling 72-lap, 720 km course. Facing formidable opposition from Porsche 907s and Ford GT40s, the car’s agility and strategic pit management allowed it to hold a strong position among the field. This result contributed to Alfa Romeo’s success in the 2-litre class, earning the T33-2 the “Daytona” nickname after its earlier class win at the 24 Hours of Daytona, reinforcing its reputation as a resilient racer.
Legacy and Historical Significance
The Alfa Romeo T33-2 Autodelta No.182 holds a respected place in motorsport history, driven by the experienced Giancarlo Baghetti—known for his 1961 French Grand Prix win—and the talented Giampiero Biscaldi. Its sixth-place finish at the 1968 Targa Florio, alongside class victories at Monza and Nürburgring, marked a stepping stone toward the T33/3’s later successes. This car embodies the Italian marque’s engineering innovation and the thrilling challenge of the Targa Florio, remaining a celebrated symbol of Alfa Romeo’s enduring legacy in endurance racing.
