1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Spider

The 8C-2900 Alfa Romeos were among the fastest production cars of their day. Powered by a 180HP DOHC 2905cc inline eight-cylinder supercharged engine, they were tough to beat on racing circuits throughout the world. Combined with a 'Superleggera' or super lightweight chassis from Touring of Milan, they were pretty much considered unstoppable by their contemporaries of the era. Cloaked in equally beautiful coachwork, these Alfas remain one of the most sought-after cars in the world today as they were when new. Available in both short- and long-wheelbase versions and in a variety of body styles, records indicate that a total of 36 2.9-litre Alfas were produced from 1935-1939.

This car is one of five short-wheelbase (110-inch) versions built of which four are known to exist today. Other than having been repainted in 1950, it is totally unrestored and in its original condition. As one of only five built, it has distinctive features expected on individually coachbuilt cars - side cowl vents for cockpit ventilation, large headlamp nacelles nestled in the catwalk between the fender and hood, a slightly narrower body, rear wheel spats, and sleek flush-mounted triple taillights on each side of the rear deck. Little is known of the car's history prior to WWII other than it spent time in Switzerland as evidenced by a pre-war 'Kanton-Bern' registration tag on its firewall. It became a part of the current owner's collection in 1986.