Alfa Romeo 8C Rolling Chassis Limited Edition CMC M-130 - pre-owned

Alfa's newly founded racing department, "Alfa Corte," was particularly motivated for the upcoming 1938 24 Hours of Le Mans; they wanted to win! An 8C 2900 B with a special body and a performance-enhanced engine was intended to make this possible.

The renowned coachbuilder Touring commissioned a closed body (Berlinetta) shaped according to aerodynamic principles and using the famous lightweight construction method as a Superleggera. The result is a breathtaking and at the same time highly futuristic-looking racing car, ready for takeoff.

The experienced endurance racing driver team of Raymond Sommer and Clemente Biondetti entered the battle at the Sarthe with starting number 19. Never before in Le Mans racing history has a car dominated the race as dominantly and superiorly as the 8C 2900 B Speciale.

In the 20th hour of the race, the Alfa Corte team was already leading the field by 11 laps or about 160 km over the entire competition when the right front tire burst at top speed.
Driver Raymond Sommer was able to catch the car, keep it on track, and reach the pits. There, it was discovered that tire fragments had damaged the engine mounts and that engine oil was also being lost. Nevertheless, Clemente Biondetti, still leading the team, ventured back out onto the track, but was forced to retire after just two laps with valve failure.
So, from one second to the next, what was thought to be a sure victory ended in disaster.
Le Mans 1938 was the only appearance of the 8C 2900 B Speciale with the Touring Superleggera body.

The vehicle mentioned here is a one-off production and is the pride of the Alfa Romeo Museum “Storico” in Arese, Italy.

Not only because the vehicle has an interesting history, but also because its appearance is spectacular and unique.

The 8C 2900B was originally prepared for the 1938 24 Hours of Le Mans. For this purpose, the vehicle received a closed body (Berlinetta) designed by body specialist Touring, which was constructed using aerodynamic principles and a lightweight construction based on Touring's patented Superleggera (aluminum body). A power-uprated 8-cylinder inline engine with 220 hp and other Le Mans-specific equipment completed the Le Mans racing spec.

Despite a commanding lead in the 24-hour race, the car was not destined for success. A tire blowout and subsequent valve breakage brought what was thought to be a sure victory to an abrupt end.

After the race, the car was completely repaired and sold to private owners. During this time, it changed hands several times. The car finally ended up in England, where it was brought back to Italy by the Alfa Romeo Museum "Storico" in the 1980s in exchange for a Type 158 Alfetta Grand Prix car.

Storico had the vehicle restored as a road version and gave it a dark red paint job that was closer to its original condition.

Since then, the vehicle has captivated museum visitors as a solitaire with the status of absolute rarity.

This model comes from a very reputable collector's previous owner. The model was inspected once after purchase, any protective tape was removed to protect the paint, and has been stored in its original packaging ever since. Here's a very rare opportunity to acquire a model in mint condition for your collection. No further pictures, as the chassis is still screwed to the original packaging.
This car comes from a very serious collector's property. The model was inspected once after purchase, possible safety tapes were removed to protect the paintwork and after then has been stored in the original box since today. So the car comes in like new condition. No more pics because the chassis is still screwed with the styrofoam container.