The history of this 1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider starts in 1949. In February 1949 it was raced in Sao Paulo by amateur driver Mario Tavares Leite who had the car imported from Italy to Brazil. Mario won races with the car in 1949 and 1950 after which the car disappeared. Later it had a Corvette engine installed and the chassis was modified. It is possible this car traveled to Brazil from Argentina in the mid-to-late 1950s without the Touring body and with the Corvette V-8 only to be reunited with the original Touring coachwork some four decades later.
In the 1930’s, the 8C 2900 Alfa was not a mere sports car but was the most advanced, modern and compelling sports car money could buy. Milan’s own Carrozzeria Touring patented the ‘Superleggera’ construction which coincided with the birth of Alfa Romeo’s masterpiece. Approximately 32 of the 2.9 chassis were made and it is believed only 12 are Touring Spiders, seven of which are the long chassis like this car.
Design and Features
- Manufacturer: Alfa Romeo, an Italian luxury car manufacturer known for its racing heritage and exquisite craftsmanship.
- Body Style: Open-top roadster (Spider).
- Chassis: The 8C 2900B utilized a lightweight and advanced chassis, featuring a long wheelbase ("Lungo" in Italian), optimizing stability and handling at high speeds.
- Coachbuilder: Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, renowned for their lightweight Superleggera (super light) construction method using aluminum panels over a steel framework.
- Interior: Luxuriously appointed with fine leather upholstery, wood trim, and period-correct instrumentation, offering both comfort and style.
Performance
- Engine: 2.9-liter (2905 cc) supercharged inline-8 engine (hence the 8C designation), featuring dual overhead camshafts and twin Roots-type superchargers.
- Power Output: Approximately 180-220 horsepower, depending on the level of supercharger boost and tuning.
- Transmission: 4-speed manual gearbox, designed for rapid gear changes essential for both racing and spirited road driving.
- Top Speed: Capable of exceeding 110 mph (177 km/h), impressive for its time and class.
- Suspension: The 8C 2900B featured independent front suspension with trailing arms and coil springs, and a live axle rear suspension with quarter-elliptic leaf springs, providing a balance of comfort and performance.
- Brakes: Large drum brakes all around, providing effective stopping power, though advanced for its era, the braking performance was standard.
Racing Success and Legacy
- Competition History: The 8C 2900B achieved significant success in motorsport, including victories at prestigious races such as the Mille Miglia, Targa Florio, and Le Mans.
- Significance: It was one of the most advanced and successful racing cars of its era, known for its exceptional handling, reliability, and competitive performance.
- Influence: The 8C 2900B showcased Alfa Romeo’s engineering prowess and established the brand as a dominant force in pre-war racing, influencing future sports cars and grand tourers.
Production and Rarity
- Production Years: 1937-1939, with only a limited number of units produced due to its exclusivity and specialized construction.
- Total Units Produced: Approximately 32 examples in various body styles, including roadsters and coupes.
- Price: Today, the 8C 2900B Lungo Spider commands astronomical prices at auctions, often reaching several million dollars due to its rarity, historical significance, and desirability among collectors.
Notable Features
- Superleggera Construction: Lightweight and advanced construction method by Carrozzeria Touring, contributing to both performance and aesthetic appeal.
- Art Deco Design: The 8C 2900B featured streamlined, aerodynamic bodywork with flowing lines and elegant proportions, reflecting the Art Deco styling prevalent in the 1930s.
- Exclusivity: Each example of the 8C 2900B is a bespoke creation, tailored to the preferences of wealthy clients and featuring unique details and finishes.
You may purchase a print of the 1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider in our dElegance 2017 online gallery.
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