1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Spider

The '8C' in this car's model name refers to the fact that the engine has eight cylinders. The straight-eight engine was designed by legendary engineer Vittorio Jano, and variants powered a wide range of Alfa Romeo racing and road cars from 1931 to 1939.

The '2900B' designation indicates that it was the second variation of the engine with 2900cc displacement.

This model was a forerunner of future Alfa Romeos. It featured 17-inch hydraulic brakes, fully independent suspension and a four-speed rear transaxle.

The engine is a dry sump design with twin magnetos and twin Roots-Type superchargers fed by two Weber carburetors, putting out 220 horsepower.

When it was built, the 8C 2900B was the fastest production car in the world, with a top speed of 140 miles per hour. Not surprisingly, 8C 2900B's took first and second place in the 1938 Mille Miglia.

The 8C 2900B displayed here, with a body by Touring, was originally owned by the Maharaja of Indore, and spent 20 years in the Ralph Lauren collection before being purchased by the current owner.