2008 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Coupe

4,691cc DOHC 32-Valve V8 Engine
Electronic Fuel Injection
450bhp at 7,000rpm
6-Speed Paddle-Shift Semi-Automatic Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Ventilated Disc Brakes

*One of just two US examples finished in striking Pearl Yellow
*Extremely well-preserved with less than 4,200 miles from new
*Meticulously serviced and maintained with just a few owners from new
*A powerful and elegant Alfa Romeo, much like the pre-war 8C

THE ALFA ROMEO 8C COMPETIZIONE

First seen in 'concept car' form at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 2003, the Alfa Romeo 8C revived a famous name from the Italian company's illustrious past when it entered production in 2006. The original 8C (eight-cylinder) Alfa engine had been designed in 1931 by the legendary Vittorio Jano and was used to power Alfa Romeo's most prestigious road models, as well as its sports-racing and Grand Prix cars, until the decade's end. Styled by Wolfgang Egger, the modern-day 8C was received with universal acclaim, its gorgeous looks recalling those of Carrozzeria Touring's aerodynamic Alfa sports-racers of the late 1930s, while from the side there was more than a hint of Zagato's original Giulia TZ.

Within a couple of weeks, orders had been received for well over 1,000 cars, despite a staggering price tag. Alfa though, was stuck by the decision to build only 500 examples of the 8C Coupe but later changed its collective mind and made a further 500 Spiders.

The genesis of the 8C Competizione graphically illustrates the close links between Italy's premier marques: Alfa Romeo, Ferrari and Maserati, all of whom are owned by FIAT. Designed at Alfa Centro Stile in Arese, the 8C used a development of the Maserati Quattroporte double-wishbone suspension (albeit on a shorter-wheelbase chassis) and is powered by a Ferrari-built V8 engine, with final assembly taking place at the Maserati factory in Modena. An enlarged version of that found in the Maserati Quattroporte and GranTurismo, the 4.7-litre V8 produces 450bhp at 7,000rpm and drives via a six-speed, semi-automatic, paddle shift gearbox, which is located immediately ahead of the rear axle in the interests of mass centralization. The main chassis and its engine/gearbox/suspension sub-frames are steel, with carbon fiber used for the passenger cell and external body panels.

No one buys an Alfa Romeo, and certainly not one as special as the 8C Competizione, without being interested in its performance potential. Alfa claimed a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) time of 4.2 seconds and a top speed of around 290km/h (181mph) despite the fact that an 8C had reached 186mph during testing. It is hard to imagine that any of the fortunate 500 customers was at all dissatisfied.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Of the 500 strictly limited Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Coupe examples produced, only 84 U.S.-specification cars were made available through select Ferrari and Maserati dealers, all of which got snapped up as soon as the car was announced, and hence, the 8C Competizione quickly became an "Instant Collectible." This 2008 8C Competizione Coupe is one of just two North American cars delivered in the striking shade of Pearl Yellow and is one of just ten produced worldwide. It is exceptionally well-documented, with just a few owners and less than 4,200 miles from new. It is recently out of the care of a meticulous owner who assembled an extraordinarily detailed record of the car's history, which includes service history and factory build documents. The window sticker shows it was well equipped from new with desirable features including the Bose premium sound system, yellow brake calipers, full carbon kit, sports package, special metallic paint, black woven leather, 8C stitching and leather headlining.

Thanks to years of meticulous care, the 8C remains in excellent preserved condition inside and out, with gorgeous paintwork and trim. In natural light, the paint's pearl effect highlights the stunning Centro Stile Alfa Romeo penned curves, providing a more sophisticated feel compared to the straight yellow colors of its stablemates. The body is in impeccable order, with features like quadrifoglio shields on the front wings and the glorious 20-inch alloy wheels that subtly echo the shape of the four-leaf clover.

Inside, carbon-backed sport seats are covered in optional woven black leather trim. The legendary Italian furniture design house Poltrona Frau supplied the exquisite basketweave leather, and the seats also wear embroidered Alfa Romeo badges and contrasting white stitching. Records show the interior "sticky parts" have been addressed, and the remainder of the cabin is immaculate. Detailed logs and receipts show that the Alfa Romeo has been meticulously maintained, and it runs and drives exceptionally well. With its focused, sports-oriented short-wheelbase chassis, drop-dead gorgeous looks, outrageous turn of speed, and spine tingling V8 soundtrack, the 8C is simply one of the most desirable sports cars in recent memory.

With less than 4,200 miles from new, this 8C Competizione Coupe is a superb specimen in every respect, backed by detailed ownership records, original books, spare key, front plate bracket, factory battery maintainer, factory car cover, and photos. Alfa 8C owners rarely part with their cars, so the opportunity to acquire this stunning example should not be missed.