‘ The Alfa Twin-Cam flies in the face of the received wisdom that four-cylinders are dull’
Upper sump gasket
Upper sump
Sump gasket
Sump plug washer
Lower sump pan
Magnetic sump plug
From top to bottom, Alfa’ s Twin-Cam is a looker. Including a finned aluminium sump
‘ The Alfa Twin-Cam flies in the face of the received wisdom that four-cylinders are dull’
Even with the secret sauce and experienced hands, a fast road engine built by Paul isn’ t wildly expensive to build. In fact, it’ s quite reasonable.‘ So if you came to me and said,“ Can you build me 160hp, 2-litre to a fast road spec”. I would say that would cost £ 6500, £ 7000 plus VAT, plus a dyno session. That’ s probably just shy of £ 8000.’
The Nord, the Bialbero, the Twin-Cam – call it what you want – this engine was advanced and exotic when it was launched, steeped in motorsport history, provided the foundations for innovative ideas, looked incredible, was full of character and lasted for decades. There are numerous accolades for which it will be remembered. But still, the Alfa Twin-Cam’ s most memorable feature, the one that flies in the face of the received wisdom that four-cylinders are dull, is the wonderful noise it emits.
The 1750 coupé, like its siblings, had a body as beautiful as the engine beneath it
34 The Engine Rebuilder Issue 01