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1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300

The Alfa Romeo 8C was Vittorio Jano's masterpiece, claiming victory at Le Mans four years in succession, and in no less than seven editions of the Mille Miglia, plus many Grand Prix races. The heart of the 8C was a supercharged, straight-eight, twin-overhead-camshaft engine arranged as two four-cylinder units in tandem with the cam-drive gears amidship. This engine was the successor of the unit powering the 6C 1750, with roots dating to 1923 when Vittorio Jano joined Alfa Romeo.

Jano's first creation at Alfa was the very successful 1,987cc P2 which won the first World Championship ever in 1925 and was largely based on his experience with Fiat's Tipo 805 Grand Prix car of 1923. The Alfa Romeo P2 was followed by a line of passenger cars to succeed the Giuseppe Merosi-designed RL and RM. Jano's 1.5-liter six-cylinder engine set new standards for lightweight high-performance motorcars. The first of the series was the 6C 1500, with an iron cylinder block and head, and a light alloy crankcase. Initially a single camshaft design, Jano later added a twin-cam head.

Complimenting the potent engine, the lightweight chassis rested low to the ground and was suspended by a semi-elliptical spring setup that passed through the front axle. Produced in both naturally aspirated and supercharged versions, the 6C would claim numerous victories over much larger and more powerful machinery. In both Gran Sport and Testa Fissa forms, 6C 1750 examples won nearly every major sports car race of the day, including the Mille Miglia, 24 Hours of Spa, Brooklands Double Twelve, and Monza Grand Prix.

The Alfa Romeo 8C, with the '8' referencing its straight 8-cylinder engine, was in production from 1931 through 1939. The production cars were divided into the 8C 2300 produced from 1931 to 1935 and the 8C 2900 of 1936 to 1941. The 8C 2300 had a bore of 65mm and a stroke of 88mm, with a displacement size of 2,336cc. The twin-lobe Roots-type supercharger was driven at 1.33-times crankshaft speed. The engine in the 8C 2900 was even larger, with a 68mm bore and a 100mm stroke resulting in a displacement size of 2,905cc.

Initially designed as a racing car, a total of 188 units were eventually built in road-going guise. Both Lungo (long) and Corto (short) versions were built, and the 8C 2300 engine was also used in a single-seat 'monoposto' race car that won the Targa Florio and the Italian Grand Prix. The victory at the 1931 Italian Grand Prix at Monza gave the 'Monza' name to the twin-seater Grand Prix car, a short-wheelbase version of the Spider. After winning Le Mans (in 1931 through 1934), the 'Le Mans' name was given to the sport version of the 8C 2300.

A 2.6-liter version of the 8C engine, known as the 8C 2600, was installed in the Scuderia Ferrari 8C Monzas. With 215 horsepower available, they were capable of reaching speeds of 135 mph. The engine grew to 2.9 liters a year later, providing even more power for both the road-going and racing versions. With two Roots-type superchargers and two updraught Weber carburetors, the engine delivered approximately 220 horsepower at 5,300 PRM.

The first generation of the 8C 2900, known as the 8C 2900A, was introduced in 1935 at the London Motor Show. It used a 107-inch wheelbase that was fully suspended front and rear by an independent arrangement with Dubonnet-type trailing arms. At the front were coil springs and hydraulic dampers, while the rear used a transverse leaf spring setup.

Production of the 8C 2900A remained exclusive with ten examples built; five were constructed in 1935 and five in 1936. Three examples were entered by Scuderia Ferrari in the 1936 Mille Miglia and again in 1937. The 8C 2900A claimed the top three positions in 1936 with drivers Marquis Antonio Brivio winning, Giuseppe Farina finishing second, and Carlo Pintacuda finishing third. The 1937 effort was nearly as successful, claiming first and second, with Pintacuda winning and Farina finishing second. Additional victories by the 8C 2900 A were achieved at the 1936 Spa 24 Hours with Raymond Sommer and Francesco Severi.

Up to this point in history, each successive Alfa Romeo engine had grown in size and output, and updates to the mechanical specification had grown in sophistication. With the 8C 2900B, this was not the case, as Alfa Romeo chose refinement over sophistication. The engine of the road-going 2900B was detuned, lowering the compression ratio and thus the output, but increasing the reliability. Two wheelbase sizes were offered, accommodating larger, more luxurious and comfortable coachwork. The Corto (short) had a wheelbase size of 110.2-inches, which was longer than the 2900A's size of 107.0-inches. The Lungo (long) chassis measured 118.1-inches. The 17-inch hydraulic drum brakes were concealed behind 19-inch rims.

The production of the 8C 2900B series remained exclusive, with total output reaching thirty-two examples. Ten examples were built in 1937 and twenty-two in 1938. Spare parts were used to assemble a final example in 1941.

by Dan Vaughan

Spyder by Touring
Chassis number: 2211071
Engine number: 2211071

Alfa Romeo began in 1906 under the name of SAID (Societa Anonima Italiana Darracq) building cars that were totally unsuited to local conditions, unreliable and underpowered, and dumped on the Italian market in an effort to increase the fortune of the French entrepreneur Alexandre Darracq. Within three years the company was on the verge of bankruptcy and was reorganized under a different set of initials ALFA (Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobil). Its cars changed, too, and in an effort to boost its image, the company decided to go racing beginning in 1911.

Designed by Vittorio Jano as a replacement for the 6C 1750, the racing versions of the 8C 2300 had multiple wins at LeMans, Spa, Targa Florio, and the Mille Miglia. Built from 1931 to 1934, the chassis was fitted with stunning coachwork by Touring, Zagato, Brianza, Castagna, Figoni and others.

Perhaps the greatest tribute to the legendary 8C series is that Alfa Romeo has named its latest supercar the '8C Competizione.'

The 8C 2300 displayed here, which was bodied by Touring, was displayed by Alfa Romeo at the Paris Automobile Salon in 1932. Sold new in England by the British concessionire F.W. Stiles, it was raced at Brooklands and Shelsley Walsh. The second owner Harry Rose drove the car to Monte Carlo a few times to watch the Monaco Grand Prix. Rose also participated in local motoring events with the 8C at Shelsley Walsh and Brooklands.

The car came to the United States around 1940 and later joined the collection of Maryland Senator Anders Lofstrand. It remained in his family until 1987 when it was purchased by Judge North. In 1991 it was acquired by Gordon Barrett who carefully preserved and maintained the car. The car was extensively researched including a visit with Luigi Fusi who was one of the Alfa Romeo designers during the period, before the restoration, which was completed in 2003. Mr. Barrett used the car on six 1,000-mile tours in the Rocky Mountains. After twenty six years of ownership, the car entered new ownership in 2017.

Spyder

Alfa Romeo introduced their short chassis 'two-three' Spyder 8C in 1931, powered by a Jano-designed straight-eight twin overhead cam, supercharged engine. It won the Mille Miglia in 1932 and 1933, and at Le Mans in 1932, 1933 and 1934 (with extended bodywork to comply with regulations). It won the Spa 24 Hour race in 1932.

A previous owner of this car had purchased a Castagna long-bodied Alfa Romeo in 1942. In the 1950s he purchased this vehicle with a broken clutch. He took the engine and clutch out of Castagna and put it in this vehicle and did a few minor competition events in the 1950s. A restorer was commissioned to get it into shape in the 1980s so the owner could compete in a Mille Miglia Retrospective, but that never happened. In late 2003, the current owner managed to obtain both cars from the previous owner of 50-60 years. In 2005, he had Wisconsin-based restorer, Rick Bunkfeld, rebuild the engine in order that it could be reunited with the Spyder.

Spyder
Chassis number: 2211127

Mechanically designed by renowned Alfa Romeo engineer Vittorio Jano it incorporated some of the most advanced automotive technology available, including the legendary supercharged dual overhead camshaft straight eight. Introduced in 1931 they quickly became some of the most dominant cars across types of motor racing. Its debut was at the 1931 Mille Miglia, where a pair of Zagato bodied cars were driven and then went on to achieve three wins at the Mille Miglia, thereby earning the name 'MM Spyder.' Constructed in 1932 and delivered in May 1933 to Sir Robert Bird of London. Involved in an accident before the war, the engine and body were removed from the chassis with the chassis later discovered in Australia. The newly fitted body, built by Auto Restorations of New Zealand, specialist D. L. George Historic Motorcars of Pennsylvania recently completed the restoration. Finished in dark blue over a deep brown interior it is striking with one of the most elegant racing bodies of all time. This Mille Miglia Spyder made is concours debut at the 2015 Amelia Island Concours.

Spyder

One of four Monza produced in 1932, this car was sold to Alfa works driver Geofreddo 'Teddy' Zehender. It finished fifth in its first appearance, at the Monaco Grand Prix - four laps behind winner Tazio Nuvolari - and raced at least 11 other times that year, winning at the Comminges Grand Prix. In 1934, only one Alfa Romeo Monza was equipped with hydraulic brakes. It is known that Nuvolari drove a specially-equipped Monza with hydraulic brakes in the 1934 Mille Miglia. Is this the car? The experts cannot agree. E.G. Salice drove this car in the 1935 and 1936 Mille Miglias. Not long afterwards, the car went to the Wild Brothers, who raced it extensively, including the 1937 and 1938 Mille Miglias.

Hardtop Coupe by Viotti

Alfa Romeo derives its name from a combination of the ALFA Company and Nicola Romeo. Romeo acquired the ALFA Company (Lombard Cars Inc) in 1915. Their early reputation as builders of solid thoroughbred performers led to postwar expansion in production. Early production examples include wonderful sports and racing machines, among them, the 8C 2300.

The superb 2300cc engine is the handiwork of Vittorio Jano, who joined Alfa Romeo from Fiat in 1923. The straight eight-cylinder design uses two identical four-cylinder blocks, with a dry sump oiling system. The two-piece crankshaft rides on ten bearings and has camshaft and supercharger drives located mid-block. It produces 142 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and feeds a four-speed gearbox. There are large finned drum brakes at each corner.

The cliché 'larger than life' is one way to describe this aerodynamically beautiful Viotti Coupe. It was originally built as a Touring bodied 8C 2300 Long Chassis sports racer to compete at LeMans, where it ran and finished third in 1933, driven by Brian Lewis & Rose-Richards. It also raced in the Tourist Trophy.

During this period, it was common that race cars had their bodies changed. Many were sold after retirement from racing to new owners and fitted with specially designed one-off coachwork. That is exactly what happed with this 8C. Upon its return to Italy in 1935 it was transformed into a streamlined coupe by Carozzeria Viotti S.A. of Turin, using the design of Mario Revelli di Beaumont, whose work was scientifically based on aerodynamic principles. Notice the convex windscreen, integrated headlights and downward sloping rear end. The 'Viotti' participated in the 2016 Concours of Elegance at Windsor Castle.

The car has a documented history, uses all the original parts, chassis and spectacular Viotta coachwork. It is the only 8C 2300 with Viotti coachwork.

by Alfa Romeo

Corsa Corto Spyder by Zagato

In the 24 hours of Spa there were two 8C 2300 Corsa Corto Spyders, one with a high radiator and one with the lower version. On that particular day, these two Spyders, both bodied by Zagato, Scuderia Ferrari used the most famous logo in the world, the prancing horse emblem, for the very first time. One came in 1st on that day; this ca arrived in 2nd place on 7 cylinders. The car continued to race for the Scuderia Ferrari Team in many events.

Spyder by Touring
Chassis number: 2211088

A race car in road clothing

The legendary Alfa Romeo 2.3 liter straight-eight engine made its first appearance in the 1931 Mille Miglia. One of the remarkable characteristics of the 8C 2300's is that the cars performed equally well in racing, grand touring or just going shopping. There were three series of the 2.3 liter engine. The first was produced in 1931, and the second and third series were made from 1932 to 1934. At the time, these cars were priced at 80,000 to 125,000 lire.

The car displayed here, a Series II, was originally purchased new by Andrea Mario Piaggio of the Piaggio family, which was famous for its aeroplanes and later, its scooters. It was used as a road car until October 11th, 1951, when it was parked and no longer driven.

In 1958 the car was donated to the Museo dell' Automobile Carlo Biscaretti in Torino, Italy. At that time the museum already had a fully restored Touring body Spider, so the body was removed from the Piaggio 8C 2300 and the rolling chassis was put on display until 1995. The body was sold to American Brian Brunkhorst in 1980s, but it took him nine years to persuade the museum to sell the chassis (acquired in 1995). The chassis and body were then re-united and ultimately sold to the current owner, who has entered this car in the 2005 Copperstate 1000 (where it won the Director's Award), the 2500 Alfa 8C Tour of the Rockies, the 2006 Louis Vuitton Classic Boheme Run (Budapest to Prague), and the 2012 Mille Miglia.

Roadster by Touring

This Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 was the fourth factory team car for the 1932 racing season. It was driven by Pierre Louis Dreyfus and Antoine Schumann at Le Mans, but the car crashed early in the race and was unable to finish. The Alfa factory then sold the car to Alfredo Koch in Italy. He entered it at LeMans again in 1933, but once more it did not finish. Afterwards the car was sold to an English collector. This long chassis Alfa has a straight 8-cylinder engine of light alloy with twin overhead camshafts, one carburetor, and a Roots supercharger. Alfa commissioned the custom coachwork from Touring of Milan, which built many of the factory team cars.

Spyder by Touring

This Alfa Romeo was first displayed at the 1932 London Motor show and sold to Alfred (Alfie) Rose, the son of the founder of Roses of Gainsborough, the well known engineers.

The Roses of Gainsborough were an extremely successful engineering company who, amongst other things, were the first to develop machinery to mass produce cigarettes and who were, early in the 20th Century, producing high quality motor cars - the Rose National - in limited numbers.

'Alfie' Rose commissioned the Carlton Carriage Co. to build a drophead coupe body. Alfie used the car extensively during the 1930s touring France and Italy with it and doing the odd amateur hill climbs and sprints. The car was laid up in the garage at his country house and sadly, the engine suffered severe frost damage in the cold snap in 1947. It was then sold to the Goslings Garage for 85 British pounds. From the 1950s through the 1970s, it was purchased several times and each time it remained unused until purchased by the current owner in the 1970s.

The remains of the car were restored by Paul Jayne as a short chassis spyder in the 1990s, using the engine and gearbox from another short chassis spyder that had been crashed in Italy in the 1940s.

It competed in the 2009 8C Alfa rally in Tuscany.

Mille Miglia Spyder by Touring
Chassis number: 2111042

Chassis number 2111042 was given a road-car body after its racing career ended. The work was performed by Papler in German. By the 1960s, the car was given another body - a replica Monza body. In the 1990s, the Monza was treated to a restoration. After the work was completed, the car was shown at the 1999 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

The early history of the car believes to include racing as a Works Monza. Alfa Romeo used the car in early 1932 and was later sold to Raymond Sommer who continued its Grand Prix racing career, as well as competing in sports car races. In Sommers capable hands, the car was victorious at the 1932 GP de Marseille.

The car was later sold to Juan Zanelli, an amateur Chilean racer, who raced it with some success over the years that followed.

In modern times, the 8C Monza is regularly exercised in historic racing.

by Dan Vaughan

Mille Miglia Spyder by Touring
Chassis number: 2111035
Engine number: 2111035

The car is believed to be one of the four cars built by Alfa Romeo to compete in the 1932 Mille Miglia. Although #2111035 did not race the Targa Florio, it is a close representation of #2111033 that did run the race in May 1933. #2111035 was used to promote the victory of Alfa Romeo in the Mille Miglia and then sold in October 1932 to Domenico Augusta whose family was involved with the legendary motorcycles and more recently the helicopters. The current English license plate AMO 999 was given to the car when imported to England in 1937 where it campaigned in several motoring events. After changing owners in England, #2111035 was brought to the United States. It is reckoned as the most original of the four 1932 works cars.

Monza Spyder
Chassis number: 2111037

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 Dan Vaughan

Monza Spyder by Zagato
Chassis number: 2111032

This Alfa Romeo was used as a Works car in 1932 and was then sold early in 1933 to Scuderia Ferrari, which had the original Monza body replaced with Zagato-built Spider coachwork. Ferrari entered the car in the Mille Miglia with the legendary Tazio Nuvolari behind the wheel, and he drove the car to victory in the famous road race, averaging 67.85 mph and leading an unprecedented ten-car Alfa Romeo sweep of Italy's legendary 1,000 Miles. It was his second and Alfa's fifth overall win in the 1,000 mile lap around Italy. It was the first time in history that a driver won both the Mille Miglia and the 24 Hours of Le Mans by the same marque in the same year. The 8C 2300 served Scuderia Ferrari for several more seasons.

Originally constructed with a Monza racing body, it was converted to Zagato Spider bodywork for the 1932 Mille Miglia. The original body was refitted later in the 1930s. Scuderia Ferrari campaigned it in other races before selling it in 1935. The Monza continued to be raced extensively as late as 1948 when it took part in the opening weekend at Goodwood. Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone owned it for a time. After some time in Africa and Europe, the car was bought by its current, American owner. He presented the car, wearing its Mille Miglia winning number 98, at the 2005 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

This Alfa Romeo has lived a long and happy life competing in many vintage and historic events including the prestigious Monaco Historic Grand Prix.

Cabriolet by Hermann Graber

Seldom has there been a more convincing claimant to the title of the complete car than Vittorio Jano's masterpiece, the Alfa Romeo 8C. Victorious in many Grand Prix races, at Le Mans four years in succession, and in no less than seven editions of the Mille Miglia, its competition credentials are beyond reproach. The heart of this formidable machine is its supercharged, straight-eight, twin-overhead-camshaft engine, which Jano arranged in effect as two four-cylinder units in tandem with the cam-drive gears amidships. Yet its racing exploits only tell part of the 8C story. The chassis, available in both long chassis Lungo and short chassis Corto form, underpinned some of the finest and most elegant touring cars of its day, such as this 8C, which is elegantly clothed in timeless coachwork by Carrosserie Hermann Graber of Wichtrach, Switzerland.

Corto Cabriolet by Figoni
Chassis number: 2211079

This Alfa Romeo is one of five Alfa Romeo 8Cs with bodywork by Figoni - and this is the only Figoni Spider. It was ordered by Le Mans winner and Alfa agent Luigi Chinetti, with a competition chassis and was 5 mm thicker than the standard chassis. The Alfa was comprehensively campaigned across Europe, competing in the 1933 and 1934 Paris-Nice Rallies and several hill climbs with notable success. In 1937, the Alfa was gifted to Henri d'Autichamp, age 21, before his deployment to Asia. During the war, the car was hidden at the family's chateau. Thereafter, it was used sparingly until the early 1970s and then garaged until d'Autichamp's passing in 2014. Beautifully original, this ALfa has since received a patina-preserving mechanical rebuild.

Vittorio Jano was responsible for the design of the magnificent engineering marvel, the 8C 2300. The name was formed by following Alfa Romeo's naming convention; the 8C represented the eight-cylinder engine while the 2300 represented the cubic-capacity. The engine is comprised of two four-cylinder engines with the cylinders aligned in a row. Central gearing drives the overhead twin camshafts. A Roots-type supercharger was used to force air to the carburetor aiding in the production of 140 horsepower. Further modifications to the OHV engine increased the horsepower output to nearly 180.

The first 8C 2300 made an appearance in prototype form at the 1931 Mille Miglia. Two Grand Prix 8C 2300 models were later entered in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza where they finished first and second. In honor of this achievement, Alfa Romeo used the name 'Monza' on all their 8C 2300 Grand Prix vehicles. In 1932 the 8C 2300 became a dominant force, winning at Targa Florio followed by three consecutive victories at Le Mans. It was undefeated at the Grand Prix circuit, defeating the powerful Mercedes SSK and SSKL models and brining an end to their dominance. It achieved many prestigious victories such as the Spa 24 Hours and the Monaco Grand Prix and more. Compliments of the vehicle's capabilities and durability.

The 8C 2300 was available in a wide variety of body styles including short and long wheel-based chassis. The long-wheelbase was dubbed 'Lungo' while the short-wheelbase was 'Corto'. The Lungo models were suitable for traveling on the open roads at high speeds while the Corto models were smaller, lighter, and more agile, suitable for racing, many being prepared by Scuderia Ferrari. The Lungo series produced 140 horsepower with a 4.25 final drive. The Spider Corsas often featured a 165 horsepower engine built specifically to satisfy customer specifications. A 3.76:1 or 4.08:1 final drive was left to the customer to select.

As was customary at the time, many of the automobiles were supplied to custom coachbuilders such as Pininfarina, Figoni, Touring, Castagna, and Zagato. The results were uniquely designed and eloquently outfitted automobiles that were both works of art and high-performance machines.

The 8C 2300 was produced from 1931 through 1933. During their production life span, only 188 examples were produced. By today's standards, many 8C 2300 models easily sell for over a million dollars.

8C 35

The Alfa Romeo 8C-35 was a Scuderia Ferrari works car which raced at Monza, Modena, Nurburgring, Lucca, Monaco, and more. They were driven by famous drivers such as Dreyfus, Farina, Brivio, and Nuvolari.

One of the most historical races for the 8C-35 was at Coppa Cieno. Nuvolari's Alfa Romeo Tipo C 12C-36 suffered a broken transaxle after only two laps. He ran to the pits and got into an 8C-35. By the time Nuvolari re-entered the race, he was already seven laps down. By the time the race concluded, Nuvolari was in first place.

8C 2900

The 8C 2900 was built in two series, the 2900A and the 2900B. The 8C represented the engine size, a straight-eight powerplant while the 2900 represented the size of the engine, 2905 cc. The engine was created by mounting two four-cylinder alloy blocks on a single crankcase. With the twin Roots-type superchargers attached, the 2.9-liter engine could produce between 180 hp for the 8C 2900B and 220 hp for the 8C 2900A. The suspension was all-independent with wishbones in the front and the rear had swing-axles.

The Alfa Romeo 8C 2900A was a two-seater with Grand Prix-style bodywork. They were purpose-built to race and win at Italy's famous Mille Miglia. In 1936, three examples were entered and were able to capture a first through third finish. A year later, they repeated their success again capturing the top three places. The success of the 2900A spawned the decision to create a road-going version that Alfa Romeo could supply to its customers. The 8C 2900B models were built upon two different wheelbases and had bodies that were very aerodynamic. Similar to the 2900A mechanically, the 2900B models were given a de-tuned engine that produced 40 horsepower less than the 2900A but still fast enough to be claimed the fastest production vehicle in the world with a top speed of nearly 110 mph. The Corto was short 2800mm wheelbase version while the Lungo was the long 3000 mm wheelbase version. As was customary at the time, custom coachbuilders were often tasked with building the bodies. The 2900B had most of its coachwork handled by Touring of Italy. The vehicles could be purchased in Berlinetta, Roadster, or Spyder bodies. These supercars were not only fast but they were expensive too. Since they were mechanically capable to match most vehicles on the racing circuit, many of the 2900B models were raced. Alfa Romeo constructed 13 examples of the 8C 2900B but with the 220 hp engine and most with Roadster bodies. In 1938 and in 1947, the 2900B with the 220 hp engine was able to capture the checkered flag at the Mille Miglia.

During its production lifespan, only 41 examples were produced. Three wee type 8C 2900 A with the remaining being the type B.

8C 2900B Spyder

Evolving from the successful 1936 8C 2900A, the 2900B is the highly cultured son of the grand champion athlete. Hidden under the long and graceful hood lives an engine with a racing heritage. The 2900 cc straight eight-cylinder supercharged masterpiece features dual camshafts, dual magnetos, and dry-sump oiling. Despite reduced compression compared to 2900A, it still produces an astounding 180 horsepower, delivered through a four-speed gearbox.

Two of Italy's finest designers provided appropriate coachwork for the 2900B, Carrozzeria Touring, and Stabilimenti Farina. Only thirty examples were produced and each is somewhat unique.

by Dan Vaughan