1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza Spyder

On August 10th of 1933, this 8C 2300 Monza was first registered. Its first owner was Cesare Sanguinetti of Corso Italia in Genova. It featured bodywork credited to Carrozzeria Brianza. Its first competitive outing took place at the Klausen Hillclimb in August of 1934, where Attilio Battilana achieved 7th in the sports car class. It raced again at the end of the season, at the Stelvio Hillclimb, with either Sciutti or Battilana at the helm.

Sanguinetti sold the car in October of 1942 to Alba Baratelli, another Genovese resident. It was sold in the fall of 1947 to Scuderia Balestrero, though the registration was not transferred until that fall. It was sold after the 1947 racing season to Caracas, Venezuela to Mario Giovanna Barreto Borsato, who in turn sold the car to Giuseppi Sciuto in 1952.

In August of 1954, the car was shipped to the United States and into the care of Mr. Ford. Mr. Ford had the engine rebuilt. From then, the car sat relatively undisturbed for two decades.

Peter Giddings acquired the Monza in 1983. A complete restoration was soon undertaken, returning it to its former glory.

In 1985, the Monza returned to the track, where it captured the Phil Hill Trophy at Laguna Seca, victories at Seattle International Raceway and Palm Springs, as well as participating at Riverside and Sears Point. Mr. Giddings drove the car over the next decade with much success. It had many podium finishes during that time.

In 1996, the current owner took possession of the car. A short time later, it was given an overhaul from the ground-up. It raced at Laguna Seca in 1997, 1998 and 2008, as well as Coronado in 1999 and 2000. In 1997 and 2001, it participated in the Mille Miglia Storica. Recently, it has toured in the Copperstate 1000, the New England 1000, the Colorado Grand and the 8C Tour.

In 2006, a no-expense spared complete engine and supercharger rebuild was performed.

In 2010, this vehicle was offered for sale at the Pebble Beach Auction presented by Gooding & Company. The car was estimated to sell for $6,500,000 - $8,500,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $6,710,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2010