The Dowsetts Tipo 184 was created as a carefully judged homage to the Alfa Romeo Tipo 158/159 ‘Alfetta’, one of the most evocative Grand Prix cars of the post-war era. Rather than attempting to be a replica in the strictest sense, it captures much of the visual drama and single-seat theatre of the original while using more accessible, modern mechanical components.
 
The Alfa Romeo Tipo 158 and 159 occupy an important place in motor racing history, with the ‘Alfetta’ enjoying remarkable success in period and famously carrying Juan Manuel Fangio to the 1951 World Championship. Genuine examples are now effectively unobtainable for most collectors, making the Dowsetts Tipo 184 an appealing alternative for those drawn to the style and spectacle of early Grand Prix machinery.
 
Conceived by TV presenter Ant Anstead and engineer Darren Collins, the Tipo 184 is based around a Mazda MX-5 NB running gear, chosen for its mechanical simplicity, reliability and engaging driving characteristics. With a free-revving 1.8-litre engine and a quoted laden mass of 750kg, the result promises lively performance in a package that should feel direct, lightweight and highly involving.
 
This example has been very thoughtfully built, with details such as its deliberately traditional wheel design helping to maintain the car’s pre-war and early post-war racing aesthetic without drawing undue attention to its more modern underpinnings.
 
Newly completed and configured for track use, this Tipo 184 would require IVA approval before being registered for the road. In its current form, it offers an exciting opportunity for an enthusiast seeking a distinctive, competition-inspired machine for track days, events or display, combining classic Grand Prix presence with familiar and readily serviceable Mazda-based mechanicals.
 

BEFORE YOU BUY 

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase. 

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.