SOLVED: Djetset #322 - 1936 Multi-Union racer

[Djetset]

Know this one for a point?

[mymokke]

Is this an Auto Union racer prior to the switch to the rear/mid engine monsters?

[Djetset]

No I'm afraid it isn't.

[biz5300]

w 125 mercedes

[Djetset]

No, not a W125.

[DeAutogids.nl]

Mercedes-Benz W25 (engine is called W125)

[Djetset]

No, not that.

[DeAutogids.nl]

It has a bit of Maserati 4CL in it... no idea, need to look

[Djetset]

Sorry, not a Maserati either.

[DeAutogids.nl]

Let's start country then, Germany?

[Djetset]

No.

[DeAutogids.nl]

Italy?

[Djetset]

No.

[DeAutogids.nl]

Euh France?

[Djetset]

No!

[DeAutogids.nl]

British...
(sorry)

[Djetset]

Yes indeed!

[Djetset]

Allez Experts?

[white12]

It could be a race car named Multi Union Special. It was built up an Alfa Romeo P3 chassis.

[Djetset]

You got it.  I was a little bit mean saying no to the 'Italy' question, but despite the Tipo B Alfa Romeo 2.9-litre engine base, this car was English, being built by the Fairey Aviation test pilot Mr C S Staniland in 1936.  It was named Multi-Union as a nod to its Silver Arrows inspiration.

[DeAutogids.nl]

Did it win anything?

[DeAutogids.nl]

Not 1938?

[Djetset]

I'm not aware that it won anything, but I have it 1936 in various sources.

[D-type]

Multi-Union certainly did win a few races, including the 1938 Phoenix Park Race (Dublin), and wins at Brooklands  on the Outer Circuit, Campbell Circuit and Mountain Circuit. and came within a whisker of setting the all-time Brooklands record but piston trouble  intervened.  Based on a Tipo B Alfa Romeo, the car was rebuilt as the Multi-Union in 1937 and first raced in 1938.  The picture shows Multi-Union II, the 1939 incarnation of the car.   

Sadly, the unique Multi-Union has now been converted back into the Tipo B Alfa Romeo it started life as.

[DeAutogids.nl]

Multi-Union certainly did win a few races, including the 1938 Phoenix Park Race (Dublin), and wins at Brooklands  on the Outer Circuit, Campbell Circuit and Mountain Circuit. and came within a whisker of setting the all-time Brooklands record but piston trouble  intervened.  Based on a Tipo B Alfa Romeo, the car was rebuilt as the Multi-Union in 1937 and first raced in 1938.  The picture shows Multi-Union II, the 1939 incarnation of the car.   

Sadly, the unique Multi-Union has now been converted back into the Tipo B Alfa Romeo it started life as.

Which would mean it is a 1939 Multi Union II.