1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza Spyder

Alfa Romeo constructed four cars (chassis number 2111033, 2111035, 2111036, and 2111037) to contest the 1932 Mille Miglia, although only three works cars were entered. They were all registered in April of 1932 and all were 2-seater spider or sport 2-seater coachwork. This particular Alfa Romeo Monza was issued registration plate MI 23022.

At the 1932 Mille Miglia, the Alfa Romeos were driven by Nuvolari and Guidotti; Campari and Sozzi, and Borzacchini and Bignami. Another Alfa Romeo was entered by Caracciola and Bonini with assistance from the factory. Additionally, five 8C 2300 cars were entered by Scuderia Ferrari along with three 6C 1750 models.

At the 1932 Mille Miglia, Alfa Romeo captured eleven of the first twelve positions. The overall winner was a factory car driven by Baconin Borzacchini and Amedeo Bignami.

After the Mille Miglia, this Alfa Romeo was sold to Raffaele Cecchini of Rome. It was later sold to Pietro Parisi in January of 1933. The car continued to be used for competition, including the Roma Coppa de Dilettanti in October of 1933.

The next caretaker was Marcello Venturi of Rome who acquired the car on October 5th of 1934. It remained with Mr. Venturi for a short period before it was sold to Luigi Zeloni of Como on August 3rd of 1935. The next owner was Oreste Teverelli followed by Guido Barsotti. Barsotti entered the car in the Coppa della Valsassina on May 2nd of 1937 where he finished second in class. It then was entered in the Grand Prix des Frontieres de Chimay in Belgium on May of 1937. During practice, the car was involved in a serious crash. Instead of being repaired, the car was put into storage.

In 1977, the car was acquired by Aldo Cesaro. A restoration soon began. After completion, the car was entered in competition for many years. Its next owner was Peter Giddings, who continued to campaign the car in vintage events. Mr. Giddings had the car completely restored by Auto Restorations Ltd. of Christchurch, New Zealand.

This 900 kg vehicle is powered by an eight-cylinder engine displacing 2556cc and produces 160 horsepower. The car's top speed is achieved around 140 mph.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2019