10 things you didn't know about this gorgeous old Alfa

Yep, its original owner was one Giuseppe “Nino” Farino, who in 1950 became the first official Formula One world champion (that’s not him, btw).

This particular 8C 2900B is the only example ever fitted with Stabilimenti Farina coachwork, founded by Nino’s father in 1906. It also features input from Nino’s uncle, Battista “Pinin” Farina, a lightly famous and mildly celebrated automotive designer. Bellissimo!

In case you hadn’t guessed. When it was first purchased, it was in partially restored condition, with the complete restoration finished in 1995. Money well spent, we’d say.

This very 8C was shown at Pebble Beach in 1995 and then shipped to Europe the following year, where it was displayed at several concours. It also participated in the Monte-Carlo Rally, including a Parade of Elegance… which it won.

Competition that included a 1934 Alfa Romeo Tipo B, a 1954 Ferrari 375 MM, a 1996 Ferrari F50 GT, a 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500K Spezial Roadster, a 1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom I and a 1951 Bentley Mark VI Cresta II. Fair play.

8C. Eight cylinders. 2900. 2.9 litres. Enough said.

To improve comfort and reliability. It was also available in two wheelbases: Corto (short) and Luongo (really short. Joking! Long. We mean long).

During its 1937-1939 production run, only 32 examples of the 2900B were built. Which today makes it very, er, what’s the word, pricey…

Told you. An 8C 2900B Luongo Spider sold for $19,800,000 back in 2016, with an 8C 2900 B Touring Berlinetta selling for $18,997,833 back in 2019. No guessing how much this one is worth. Somewhere around the, hmm, spitballing here, $19m to $20m mark seems a good bet?

The 8C name was revived for a V8-engined concept in 2004. It made production as the 8C Competizione in 2007 to soothe humankind's eyes and hearts forever more.