1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider

In the 1930s, the 8C 2900 Alfa was not a mere sports car but was the most advanced, modern, and compelling sports car money could buy. Approximately 32 of the 2.9 chassis were made and it is believed only 12 are Touring Spiders, seven of which are the long chassis like this car. This car's known history starts in 1949. In February 1949 it was raced in Sao Paulo by amateur driver Mario Tavares Leite who had the car imported from Italy to Brazil. While in Brazil the all bodywork was removed except for the grille, and replaced with a lighter (and less attractive) body. Mario won races with the car in 1949 and 1950 after which the car disappeared. Later it had a Corvette engine installed and the chassis was modified (shortened). It is possible this car traveled to Brazil from Argentina in the mid-to-late 1950s, without the Touring body, and with the Corvette V8 only to be reunited with the original Touring coachwork years later.

During the 1970s, the rolling chassis and various parts were sent to England, then Switzerland. The body, however, went to Italy. In 1992, owners of the body acquired a chassis (from Switzerland) and soon realized they had found the correct match. American industrial designer and collector Sam Mann bought the chassis and body, along with some other parts from Argentina. All of these materials were sent to Great Britain in 1994, where 2.9 restorer Tony Merrick returned the chassis to the correct length. The body and all screw holes lined up perfectly. Evidence that the body and frame were originally mated together. A period-correct engine was installed in the engine bay and bringing the Alfa back to life.