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The 8C 2300 was designed by Vittorio Jano, also the creator of the 6C 1750. Jano joined Alfa Romeo in 1923 and had immediately begun a design program which would ultimately led to the P2 Grand Prix cars. He was also responsible for the use of twin-cam engines in two series of the 6C cars. The 8C 2300 were built by builders such as Scuderia Ferrari.
The engine used was a 2556 cc Supercharged, DOHC, inline 8-cylinder with alloy cylinder block and heads capable of producing 178 horsepower. The engine had two four-cylinder blocks and two cylinder heads on a common crank and crankcase. The supercharger was a Roots-type blower that was positioned low on the right-side of the engine. Air was funneled through a Memini but was later replaced in favor of a Weber carburetor. The responsive and quick engine coupled with a lightweight body made this vehicle a true force to be reckoned with. A four speed manual gearbox and drum brakes were also used. These vehicles were hand-made, and thus production was low.
The Monza version was the special racing derivative. The famous driver of the 1930's, Tazio Nuvolari, drove the Monza during many of his races.
The engine used was a 2556 cc Supercharged, DOHC, inline 8-cylinder with alloy cylinder block and heads capable of producing 178 horsepower. The engine had two four-cylinder blocks and two cylinder heads on a common crank and crankcase. The supercharger was a Roots-type blower that was positioned low on the right-side of the engine. Air was funneled through a Memini but was later replaced in favor of a Weber carburetor. The responsive and quick engine coupled with a lightweight body made this vehicle a true force to be reckoned with. A four speed manual gearbox and drum brakes were also used. These vehicles were hand-made, and thus production was low.
The Monza version was the special racing derivative. The famous driver of the 1930's, Tazio Nuvolari, drove the Monza during many of his races.
Vittorio Jan's 1929 6C 1750 had been a mechanical jewel with an enviable sporting record, dominating Sport Category racing until 1931. Then later, to maintain the firm's superiority, an eight-cylinder version of the same car, the 8C 2300 appeared.
The 8C 2300 had the same bore and stroke dimensions of the six, but the timing and blower drive gears were mounted between two light allow blocks - basically two four-cylinder engines set back to back. The engine displayed the same remarkable qualities that had made the six famous, such as the ability to start on the first compression - under any circumstances - and a remarkable flexibility that enabled the car to run smoothly at 500 rpm in top gear. The 2600 cc engine had a top speed of approximately 140 mph.
An enthusiast described the sound of the engine as 'symphony in which each gear tooth and roll bearing plays a note.' The Monza version of the 8C 2300 was designed as a two-seat road car and had a more highly tuned engine on a short-wheelbase chassis, plus a distinctive pierced radiator cowl. All that was necessary to make the Monza the fastest sport car of its day was the addition of lights and fenders.
The 8C 2300 had the same bore and stroke dimensions of the six, but the timing and blower drive gears were mounted between two light allow blocks - basically two four-cylinder engines set back to back. The engine displayed the same remarkable qualities that had made the six famous, such as the ability to start on the first compression - under any circumstances - and a remarkable flexibility that enabled the car to run smoothly at 500 rpm in top gear. The 2600 cc engine had a top speed of approximately 140 mph.
An enthusiast described the sound of the engine as 'symphony in which each gear tooth and roll bearing plays a note.' The Monza version of the 8C 2300 was designed as a two-seat road car and had a more highly tuned engine on a short-wheelbase chassis, plus a distinctive pierced radiator cowl. All that was necessary to make the Monza the fastest sport car of its day was the addition of lights and fenders.
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It was first driven by Algerian driver Guy Moll in 1933 grand prix races. In 1934, ownership passed to Swiss driver Hans Reusch, who raced it with Ulrich Mang in the 1934 Mille Miglia (DNF) and twice at Nurburgring. Following Maag's tragic death, Ruesch raced in the 1935 Mille Miglia with co-driver Guatta, and finished fourth.
In the late 1940s, the car was crashed heavily and broken up. In the 1950s, the 8C engine, gearbox and back axle were purchased by Lord Ridley and fitted to an Alfa 6C 1750. Years later, this complete driveline was purchased at auction, still on the 1750 chassis. After extensive research, the original chassis was found, still in Switzerland, where it had been used as a hay cart. D.L. George Coachworks, in a full-scale restoration, reunited the original driveline and chassis.
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Vittorio Jano, who joined Alfa Romeo in 1923, designed the 8C 2300. The engine uses a 2556cc supercharged, DOHC, inline 8-cylinder with alloy cylinder block and heads capable of producing 178 horsepower. The engine had two four-cylinder blocks and two-cylinder heads on a common crank and crankcase. A four-speed manual gearbox and drum brakes were also used. The Monza version was the special racing derivative.
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Vittorio Jano was responsible for the design of the magnificent engineering marvel, the 8C 2300. The name was formed by following Alfa Romeo's naming convention; the 8C represented the eight cylinder engine while the 2300 represented the cubic-capacity. The engine is comprised of two four-cylinder engine with the cylinders aligned in a row. Central gearing drives the overhead twin camshafts. A Roots-type supercharger was used to force air to the carburetor aiding in the production of 140 horsepower. Further modifications to the OHV engine increased the horsepower output to nearly 180.
The first 8C 2300 made an appearance in prototype form at the 1931 Mille Miglia. Two Grand Prix 8C 2300 models were later entered in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza where they finished first and second. In honor of this achievement, Alfa Romeo used the name 'Monza' on all their 8C 2300 Grand Prix vehicles. In 1932 the 8C 2300 became a dominant force, winning at Targa Florio followed by three consecutive victories at Le Mans. It was undefeated at the Grand Prix circuit, defeating the powerful Mercedes SSK and SSKL models and brining an end to their dominance. It achieved many prestigious victories such as the Spa 24 Hours and the Monaco Grand Prix and more. Compliments of the vehicles capabilities and durability.
The 8C 2300 was available in a wide variety of body styles including short and long wheel-based chassis. The long wheelbase was dubbed 'Lungo' while the short-wheelbase were 'Corto'. The Lungo models were suitable for traveling on the open roads at high speeds while the Corto models were smaller, lighter, and more agile, suitable for racing, many being prepared by Scuderia Ferrari. The Lungo series produced 140 horsepower with a 4.25 final drive. The Spider Corsas often featured a 165 horsepower engine built specifically to satisfy customer specifications. A 3.76:1 or 4.08:1 final drive was left to the customer to select.
As was customary at the time, many of the automobiles were supplied to custom coachbuilders such as Pininfarina, Figoni, Touring, Castagna, and Zagato. The results were uniquely designed and eloquently outfitted automobiles that were as much works of art as they were high performance machines.
The 8C 2300 was produced from 1931 through 1933. During their production life span only 188 examples were produced. By today's standards, many 8C 2300 models easily sell for over a million dollars.
8C 35
The Alfa Romeo 8C-35 was a Scuderia Ferrari works car which raced at Monza, Modena, Nurburgring, Lucca, Monaco and more. They were driven by famous drivers such as Dreyfus, Farina, Brivio, and Nuvolari.
One of the most historical races for the 8C-35 was at Coppa Cieno. Nuvolari's Alfa Romeo Tipo C 12C-36 suffered a broken transaxle after only two laps. He ran to the pits and got into an 8C-35. By the time Nuvolari re-entered the race, he was already seven laps down. By the time the race concluded, Nuvolari was in first place.
8C 2900
The 8C 2900 was built in two series, the 2900A and the 2900B. The 8C represented the engine size, a straight eight powerplant while the 2900 represented the size of the engine, 2905 cc. The engine was created by mounting two four-cylinder alloy blocks on a single crankcase. With the twin Roots-type superchargers attached, the 2.9-liter engine could produce between 180 hp for the 8C 2900B and 220 hp for the 8C 2900A. The suspension was all-independent with wishbones in the front and the rear had swing-axles.
The Alfa Romeo 8C 2900A was a two-seater with Grand Prix style bodywork. They were purpose-built to race and win at Italy's famous Mille Miglia. In 1936, three examples were entered and were able to capture a first through third finish. A year later, they repeated their success again capturing the top three places. The success of the 2900A spawned the decision to create a road-going version that Alfa Romeo could supply to its customers. The 8C 2900B models were built upon two different wheelbases and had bodies that were very aerodynamic. Similar to the 2900A mechanically, the 2900B models were given a de-tuned engine that produced 40 horsepower less than the 2900A but still fast enough to be claimed the fastest production vehicle in the world with a top speed of nearly 110 mph. The Corto were short 2800mm wheelbase version while the Lungo were the long 3000 mm wheelbase versions. As was customary at the time, custom coachbuilders were often tasked with building the bodies. The 2900B had most of its coachwork handled by Touring of Italy. The vehicles could be purchased in Berlinetta, Roadster or Spyder bodies. These supercars were not only fast but they were expensive too. Since they were mechanically capable to match most vehicles on the racing circuit, many of the 2900B models were raced. Alfa Romeo constructed 13 examples of the 8C 2900B but with the 220 hp engine and most with Roadster bodies. In 1938 and in 1947, the 2900B with the 220 hp engine were able to capture the checkered flag at the Mille Miglia.
During its production lifespan, only 41 examples were produced. Three wee type 8C 2900 A with the remaining being the type B.
8C 2900B Spyder
Evolving from the successful 1936 8C 2900A, the 2900B is the highly cultured son of the grand champion athlete. Hidden under the long and graceful hood lives an engine with a racing heritage. The 2900 cc straight eight cylinder supercharged masterpiece features dual camshafts, dual magnetos and dry sump oiling. Despite reduced compression compared to 2900A, it still produces an astounding 180 horsepower, delivered through a four-speed gearbox.
Two of Italy's finest designers provided appropriate coachwork for the 2900B, Carrozzeria Touring and Stabilimenti Farina. Only thirty examples were produced and each is somewhat unique.
The first 8C 2300 made an appearance in prototype form at the 1931 Mille Miglia. Two Grand Prix 8C 2300 models were later entered in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza where they finished first and second. In honor of this achievement, Alfa Romeo used the name 'Monza' on all their 8C 2300 Grand Prix vehicles. In 1932 the 8C 2300 became a dominant force, winning at Targa Florio followed by three consecutive victories at Le Mans. It was undefeated at the Grand Prix circuit, defeating the powerful Mercedes SSK and SSKL models and brining an end to their dominance. It achieved many prestigious victories such as the Spa 24 Hours and the Monaco Grand Prix and more. Compliments of the vehicles capabilities and durability.
The 8C 2300 was available in a wide variety of body styles including short and long wheel-based chassis. The long wheelbase was dubbed 'Lungo' while the short-wheelbase were 'Corto'. The Lungo models were suitable for traveling on the open roads at high speeds while the Corto models were smaller, lighter, and more agile, suitable for racing, many being prepared by Scuderia Ferrari. The Lungo series produced 140 horsepower with a 4.25 final drive. The Spider Corsas often featured a 165 horsepower engine built specifically to satisfy customer specifications. A 3.76:1 or 4.08:1 final drive was left to the customer to select.
As was customary at the time, many of the automobiles were supplied to custom coachbuilders such as Pininfarina, Figoni, Touring, Castagna, and Zagato. The results were uniquely designed and eloquently outfitted automobiles that were as much works of art as they were high performance machines.
The 8C 2300 was produced from 1931 through 1933. During their production life span only 188 examples were produced. By today's standards, many 8C 2300 models easily sell for over a million dollars.
8C 35
The Alfa Romeo 8C-35 was a Scuderia Ferrari works car which raced at Monza, Modena, Nurburgring, Lucca, Monaco and more. They were driven by famous drivers such as Dreyfus, Farina, Brivio, and Nuvolari.
One of the most historical races for the 8C-35 was at Coppa Cieno. Nuvolari's Alfa Romeo Tipo C 12C-36 suffered a broken transaxle after only two laps. He ran to the pits and got into an 8C-35. By the time Nuvolari re-entered the race, he was already seven laps down. By the time the race concluded, Nuvolari was in first place.
8C 2900
The 8C 2900 was built in two series, the 2900A and the 2900B. The 8C represented the engine size, a straight eight powerplant while the 2900 represented the size of the engine, 2905 cc. The engine was created by mounting two four-cylinder alloy blocks on a single crankcase. With the twin Roots-type superchargers attached, the 2.9-liter engine could produce between 180 hp for the 8C 2900B and 220 hp for the 8C 2900A. The suspension was all-independent with wishbones in the front and the rear had swing-axles.
The Alfa Romeo 8C 2900A was a two-seater with Grand Prix style bodywork. They were purpose-built to race and win at Italy's famous Mille Miglia. In 1936, three examples were entered and were able to capture a first through third finish. A year later, they repeated their success again capturing the top three places. The success of the 2900A spawned the decision to create a road-going version that Alfa Romeo could supply to its customers. The 8C 2900B models were built upon two different wheelbases and had bodies that were very aerodynamic. Similar to the 2900A mechanically, the 2900B models were given a de-tuned engine that produced 40 horsepower less than the 2900A but still fast enough to be claimed the fastest production vehicle in the world with a top speed of nearly 110 mph. The Corto were short 2800mm wheelbase version while the Lungo were the long 3000 mm wheelbase versions. As was customary at the time, custom coachbuilders were often tasked with building the bodies. The 2900B had most of its coachwork handled by Touring of Italy. The vehicles could be purchased in Berlinetta, Roadster or Spyder bodies. These supercars were not only fast but they were expensive too. Since they were mechanically capable to match most vehicles on the racing circuit, many of the 2900B models were raced. Alfa Romeo constructed 13 examples of the 8C 2900B but with the 220 hp engine and most with Roadster bodies. In 1938 and in 1947, the 2900B with the 220 hp engine were able to capture the checkered flag at the Mille Miglia.
During its production lifespan, only 41 examples were produced. Three wee type 8C 2900 A with the remaining being the type B.
8C 2900B Spyder
Evolving from the successful 1936 8C 2900A, the 2900B is the highly cultured son of the grand champion athlete. Hidden under the long and graceful hood lives an engine with a racing heritage. The 2900 cc straight eight cylinder supercharged masterpiece features dual camshafts, dual magnetos and dry sump oiling. Despite reduced compression compared to 2900A, it still produces an astounding 180 horsepower, delivered through a four-speed gearbox.
Two of Italy's finest designers provided appropriate coachwork for the 2900B, Carrozzeria Touring and Stabilimenti Farina. Only thirty examples were produced and each is somewhat unique.
| Mille MigliaThe Mille Miglia was first run in 1927 and quickly became a highlight for entrants, spectators, and enthusiasts. The first race featured around seventy-five starters, all of which were Italian. The race occurred twenty-four times from 1927 to 1957; thirteen were run before the war and eleven from 1947 onward. The cars were separated by one minute intervals with the professional, large displacement cars running first. In 1938 an accident occurred killing 23 spectators. It was not until 1947 before the race was resumed. The number of entrants swelled to nearly 250, with around 160 starting the race. The race came to an end in 1957 as a car went into the crowd, killing his co-driver and several spectators. Another sad end to a legendary race. |
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Automobile information, history, and statistics from concept to production. | © 1998-2008 Conceptcarz.com
Automobile information, history, and statistics from concept to production. | © 1998-2008 Conceptcarz.com