ALFA ROMEO 184T Turbo

   During the off-season between 1983 and 1984, Alfa Romeo experienced what can only be described as a “sporting suicide.” The then-president of the Milan-based car manufacturer, Ettore Massacesi, was one of the main advocates for Alfa Romeo joining the FIAT group. The Turin-based group immediately decided to dismantle the Autodelta racing division, seen as a burden by FIAT’s executives, resulting in the dismissal of Carlo Chiti, the engineer behind the modest successes of previous seasons and, more importantly, the father of the 890T V8 turbo engine that powered Alfa’s single-seaters. Full control of the remnants of Alfa Romeo’s racing department passed to Gianpaolo Pavanello’s Euroracing, which failed to reverse the now entrenched crisis.

ALFA ROMEO 184T, Riccardo Patrese
Dijon-Prenois, French GP 1984

   The 1984 season began under the worst possible signs, despite the hiring of two very talented drivers: Italian Riccardo Patrese and the Rome-born American, Eddie Cheever. Additionally, the arrival of a generous sponsor like Benetton should have provided the Milanese team with a budget sufficient for consistent car development. The new 184T, used during the 1984 season, was designed by Mario Tollentino, formerly an associate of Ducarouge and Chiti, and Luigi Marmiroli, the only survivor of the Autodelta shutdown.

 ALFA ROMEO 184T, Riccardo Patrese
Zandvoort, Dutch GP 1984

 

   Due to financial constraints and tight timelines, the new car did not differ much from its predecessor, the 183T. The most significant change was the rear biplane wing profile, with traditional “candelabra” endplates to increase downforce. The front suspension was also new, switching from the previous rocker-arm system to the push-rod design introduced by Brabham’s Gordon Murray.

 ALFA ROMEO 184T, Eddie Cheever
Jacarepaguà, Brazilian GP 1984

   The carbon fiber monocoque chassis, housing the Alfa Romeo 890T V8 Turbo engine (rated at 690 hp) coupled with a Hewland/Alfa five-speed gearbox, remained the same as in the 183T. However, the 1984 car suffered from traction issues, mainly due to the new Goodyear tires, which underperformed compared to the previous Michelin rubber. The 184T’s aerodynamics were revised by Gustav Brunner, who, along with Tollentino, made significant mid-season design changes. These included modifications to the roll bar, rear suspension to address traction problems, taller sidepods for increased cooling airflow, enlarged radiator outlets, and a slimmer nose.

 ALFA ROMEO 184T, Eddie Cheever
Zolder, Belgian GP 1984

   Despite these updates, the 1984 season was deeply disappointing, not least due to the 890T Turbo’s excessive fuel consumption, which went undeveloped after Chiti’s dismissal. The car often failed to finish races on the 220 liters allowed by regulations unless the engine was severely detuned. The 184T scored only 11 points, with Patrese’s third-place finish at Monza being the only noteworthy result.