The Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider by Touring of Milan – one of the classic Italian coachbuilders of the period – was said to be one of the most advanced, modern and compelling sports cars of its generation.
With its 2,902cc engine producing 180bhp, the 8C 2900 was capable to speeds of 110mph. That may not sound like much beyond the reach of a small family hatchback these days but it was one of the fastest road cars of its time, capable of keeping pace with its peers such as the iconic Bugatti Atlantic.
Of the 32 8C 2900 chassis made, only 12 are Touring Spiders and only seven of that number are built on the long or ‘Lungo’ chassis. Rare indeed, you might say. As was the way in the Thirties, owners would often purchase a car from the manufacturer – which would consist of an engine and chassis – and have a specialist coachbuilder design the exterior bodywork, resulting in the elegant curves and Art Deco styling you see before you. Should the 8C reach its multi-million pound estimate when it goes on sale next week in California, it will become the most expensive pre-War car in the world.
Watch it in all its glory in the video below, alongside a 1926 Bentley, a 1956 Ferrari 250 GT and a 1926 Miller. Quite a collection, I think you’ll agree.
Guide price: £15,300,000 – £19,100,000
This Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider will go under the hammer as part of the Sam & Emily Mann collection next week at RM Sotherby’s Monterey auction on the 19th October in Monterey, California. Click here for more information.
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