1935 Alfa Romeo 8C 35 Roadster

It is believed that approximately a dozen Tipo C chassis were completed, with the Tipo C chassis being used both in the 8C 35 and later in V-12 powered 12C 36 as it was designed to accept both eight- and twelve-cylinder engines interchangeably. Alfa Romeo constructed and sold four complete 8C 35s, designated 50011-50015, although it is known that at least three other 8C 35 engines existed (50015-50017). It is believed that seven examples of the 4-liter V12 engine were used in the Tipo C chassis to compete in 12C 36 form.

Among the accolades achieved by the 8C 35 during the 1936 season were victories in Budapest, the Coppa Ciano, and at Donington. Its twelve-cylinder counterpart was victorious at Barcelona, Milan, and Modena.

In mid-1996, Peter Giddings acquired a bar 'hat' section chassis frame and it bore no discernible Alfa Romeo or Scuderia Ferrari markings. The only distinguishing feature is the number '8' stamped on either side of the front cross member. The chassis had reputedly been found in Argentina by Aldo Cesaro, and it showed signs of accident damage and appeared to have been 'rebuilt several times.'

While much of the history of the chassis is not fully known, its seven-time Indianapolis 500 competing 8C 35 engine history is documented.

The original engine of chassis 50012 had been shipped to the United States in the Fall of 1936 by Scuderia Ferrari for use as a spare car in the Vanderbilt Cup. After the race, the car remained in the U.S. and was sold in early 1937 to Bill White. Following modifications to accommodate a riding mechanic (Lewis Harris), Rex Mays drove it in that year's Indy 500. The car began strong and ran well before it prematurely retired due to overheating issues after 24 laps.

After the Indy 500, the car was returned to single-seat configuration and raced in the 1937 Vanderbilt Cup race where it finished in 3rd. After the race, the engine of 50012 was extensively re-worked to comply with the new-for-1938 Indianapolis and Grand Prix regulations, which dictated a maximum capacity of 3 liters. Production of a new short-stroke crankshaft and cast new cylinder blocks was overseen by Fred Offenhauser. The bore was reduced from 78mm to 75.5 mm, resulting in a displacement of 2,937cc, nearly 900cc less than its original specification.

In this guise, Mays returned to the Brickyard in 1938 with the revised 50012 where it qualified third, but once again was forced to retire, this time after 45 laps with supercharger issues. A year later, Texan Babe Stapp was entrusted with driving duties and would finish the race in 5th position. The car would race at Indy on a further four occasions, in 1940, 1941, 1946 and 1947, all with White still its entrant. The car's most notable finishes being 7th place in 1941 and 1947, courtesy of Harry McQuinn and Cy Marshall, respectively.

Around the mid-1950s, the car resided in White's care albeit devoid of an engine. Around a decade later, the chassis was owned by fellow Californian Michael Agabra who sold it back to Alfa Romeo for restoration. At this point, it had a 12C 36 engine in place of its original eight-cylinder unit. Chassis number 50012 is still in existence and is currently equipped with the 12C 36 engine and on display at the factory museum.

The remains of 50012's original engine (also stamped '64') were later purchased by David Uihlein for his Tipo B, chassis 5007. Due to installation issues, the engine was not used, instead, it was sold to Peter Giddings in early 1996.

Peter Giddings sent his Cesaro-sourced chassis, engine number 50012, suspension, and brake components, along with two 12C 37 transaxles to Auto Restorations of Christchurch, New Zealand. An exacting restoration took five years to complete, using many correct parts including Peter's 'other' 8C 35, chassis 50013, for reference and pattern purposes.

After the work was completed, the car raced for the first time at Ruapuna, in February 2002 where it won the Vintage class. Chassis 8 was then sent back to the United States and became a regular fixture on the U.S. vintage racing scene.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2021