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With an absence of riding mechanics from grand prix regulations, Alfa Romeo comissioned Vittorio Jano to design their first single seater (or Monoposto). Jano's first design, the Tipo A, had dual inline-6 engines having two gearboxes & two propeller shafts. The driver and steering mechanicals ran down the the center line of the car. Jano retained much of this design for the P3 the with a more weight conservative single-engine drivetrain.

As raced from 1932 till 1933, the P3 had a huge advantage thanks to its exceptional power to weight ratio. A large reduction in weight was attributed to the car's unique transmission setup. Two propeller shafts were used in a triangular design to send power to each wheel individually. This split the torque evenly between two lighweight bevel boxes eliminating the need for a strong and heavy differential. Moreover, having both shafts running alongside the seat allowed the driver's seating position to sit lower.

It is important to note that the P3 was transformed 1934 to accomidate new Grand Prix rules. The regulations stated that the body must be at least 33.5 inches wide. The revised 1934 P3 had a larger chassis with larger bodywork that covered the blowers and front framerails. At this time, many of the original P3's had been sold to private teams after Alfa Romeo retired from racing in 1933. Alfa sold some of the cars with a 2.9 litre engine that yeilded around 220-260HP which was more competative against the W25 and Auto Union Type C. Scuderia Ferrari took many of these cars and managed a private team with Tazio Nuvolari as their number one driver.

From 1923 to 35 the P3 racked up a number of Grand Prix victories. The most notable victory was the German GP race of 1935 in which Tazio Nuvolari, racing for team Ferrari, beat the combined efforts of Mercedes & Auto Union. This race is considered one of Nuvolari's greatest victories as the P3 was much older and underpowered compared to the competition.

Major Private & Works P3 Victories:

Jun05/32 Italian GP-Monza, Tazio Nuvolari

Jul03/32 French GP-Reims, Tazio Nuvolari

Jul17/32 German GP-Nurburgring, Rudolf Caracciola

Jul31/32 Coppa Ciano-Montenero, Tazio Nuvolari

Aug14 Coppa Acerbo-Perscara, Tazio Nuvolari

Sep11/32 Monza GP-Monza, Rudolf Caracciola

Aug13/33 Coppa Acerbo-Perscara, Luigi Fagioli

Aug20/33 Comminges GP-St. Gaudens, Luigi Fagioli

Aug27/33 Marseille GP-Miramas, Louis Chiron

Sep10/33 Italian GP-Monza, Luigi Fagioli

Sep24/33 Spanish GP-Lasarte, Louis Chiron

Apr02/34 Monaco GP-Monte Carlo, Guy Moll

May06/34 Tripoli GP-Mellaha, Achille Varzi

May20/34 Targa Florio-Madonie, Achille Varzi

May27/34 Avusrennen-Avus, Guy Moll

Jun03 Montreux GP-Montreux, Carlo Felice Trossi

Jul01 French GP-Montlhery, Louis Chiron

Jul08/34 Marne GP-Reims, Louis Chiron

Jul15/34 Vichy GP-Vichy, Carlo Felice Trossi

Jul22/34 Coppa Ciano-Montenero, Achille Varzi

Apr28/35 Targa Florio Madonie, Antonio Brivio

Jun30/35 Lorraine GP-Nancy, Louis Chiron

Jul14/35 Belgian GP-Spa, Rudolf Caracciola

Jul28/35 German GP-Nurburgring, Tazio Nuvolari

Oct05/35 Donington GP-Donington Park, Richard Shuttleworth