Vehicle Description
Monza and Milan, Brescia and Rome, Nuvolari and Campari; while
these names might evoke images of Northern Italian cities or even
an Italian aperitif, for our purposes their significance lies
elsewhere. They are all connected to a legendary machine from Milan
that has cemented its place in automotive history.The Coppa 1000
Miglia, more popularly known as the Mille Miglia, held its first
race in 1927, and in the first four years, Alfa Romeo won three of
the four renditions. The small displacement, supercharged 6C's
dominated the roads between Brescia and Rome each spring. The 1931
edition saw a new competitor, a 7-liter supercharged Mercedes-Benz
SSKL, that won the race outright. Alfa Romeo felt the pressure to
excel into a new echelon of 8-cylinder automobiles and thus the 8C
2300 was born. The Alfa Romeo 8C was a supercar of its day. The
Vittorio Jano-designed 8-cylinder engine was a masterpiece of
engineering with its twin overhead camshafts and gear driven
supercharger. The 8C in its many iterations dominated both single
seat and sports car competition and evolved into some of the finest
road going machines of the time, becoming the very first winner of
the Grand Prix World Championship. The 1932 racing season was
especially successful for the 2300 as it won Le Mans, the Spa 24,
Targa Florio and Mille Miglia. Over the course of its racing
history, the 2300 established a record comparable to Ettore
Bugatti's dominant Type 35.According to Simon Moore's The Legendary
2.3, chassis 2211127 was initially built as a Letourner & Marchand
coupe. Although much of its early history remains obscure, it is
known that the car was involved in an accident in 1934, prompting
the owner to replace it with a Bentley. After the war, the 8C
reportedly resurfaced in Bolsover, England, with its engine removed
from the chassis for rebuilding. However, both the engine and
chassis soon vanished.Fast forward to the 2000s when parts from
2211127's chassis were discovered and sent to the revered Auto
Restorations Ltd. in Christchurch, New Zealand to be utilized in
the build of a new car. The chassis number is attributed to a plate
on the right rear dog leg of newly constructed chassis rails. The
heart of the car, Vittorio Jano's twin cam, eight-cylinder
masterpiece, was truly a passion project. Years of searching,
buying, and trading until enough components were amassed to create
an 8C powerplant that was ultimately completed by Jim Stokes
Workshop in Waterlooville, England. A magnesium, 2.6 competition
spec crankcase wearing assembly number 88 was used in the build
among various other true 8C componentry. A full addendum and
breakdown of the engine build will be available for viewing upon
request. While in New Zealand, the rolling chassis was fitted with
the motor, an original bonnet, 6C 1750 gearbox, original steering
box, an 8C rear axle, and an original grille. When the car left
Auto Restorations, it was finished to the same specifications of a
Corto (short chassis) 8C 2300, leaving the shop in the same
condition 8C's once left the Alfa Romeo factory before receiving
coachwork.The body the car wears today, styled as a Zagato Spider,
was crafted using the dimensions and construction techniques from
8C 2111034, a car that competed in three Mille Miglia races. The
coachwork was completed by Gary Yates in England, who constructed
the running boards, wings, front apron, radiator surround, scuttle,
and main body tub. Once the coachwork was finished, DL George
Coachworks handled the electrical work, light mechanical tasks,
paint, and final assembly. The car was painted a stunning navy
blue, with the trim completed by Brightworks. Sitting in the
driver's seat, one is immediately met with correct Jaeger gauges
and a Siata damper adjustment knob. Adding a distinctly Italian
flair, the gated shifter features etched Roman numerals to indicate
the shift pattern. Gary Maucher Auto Upholstery completed the
wine-red seat that compliments the exterior marvelously.
Additionally, while the car was being completed at DL George
Coachworks, the previous owner was gifted an original 8C seatback
that will accompany the car in the sale and finished in the same
wine red as well!The culmination of nearly twenty years of
dedicated effort by an ardent Alfa Romeo enthusiast has resulted in
this exceptional 8C 2300. This remarkable vehicle was crafted in
collaboration with leading experts in pre-war Alfa Romeos, Jim
Stokes, and Auto Restorations. Undertaking such an extensive
project today would be nearly impossible. The privilege of hearing
this Italian masterpiece's supercharged, gear-driven engine roar to
life is unmatched, and the thrill of experiencing its power at
speed is truly unparalleled. Offers welcome and Trades Considered
For additional details please view this listing directly on our
website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7735-1932-alfa-romeo-8c-2300-zagato/
