Alfa Romeo 8C Now Offers a Gated Manual, Elevating Driving Experience

May 29, 2024 10:48 PM EDT

PEOPLE LOOKING AT CLASSIC RED ALFA ROMEO 6C — (Photo : PEXELS/ Franco Monsalvo)

The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione features a powerful engine and beautiful looks, but its poor automated six-speed sequential gearbox has limited its performance. A more responsive five-speed gated manual transmission and carbon ceramic brakes are being introduced by Swiss aftermarket modification Officine Fioravanti to remedy this problem.

Alfa Romeo 8 Competizione with Gated Manual

Officine Fioravanti, a Swiss tuner, introduces an aftermarket solution for the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione's automated six-speed sequential gearbox. The package replaces the outdated transmission with a six-speed manual and includes various enhancements for the vehicle.

As reported by Motor1.com, the package comprises a fresh carbon-ceramic braking setup, an electronically managed and adaptable Öhlins suspension, a notable decrease in vehicle mass, and fresh FIA-endorsed carbon-fiber seats. Additionally, it enhances the engine calibration software for heightened performance; however, Officine Fioravanti refrains from revealing the specific power figures.

As detailed in a TopGear article, the weight reduction goal is set below the standard 1,585kg mark for the Alfa Romeo 8C. The extent of this reduction, akin to shedding the weight of a sponge cake or possibly more, is yet to be revealed. In addition, Fioravanti plans to introduce an enhancement package for Ferrari 512 BB owners.

This package will feature a new engine management unit replacing the carburetor, an updated electrical system enhancing overall reliability, and that sums up the modifications. The pricing details for both packages have not been disclosed yet, but anticipate an update on this in the upcoming months.

Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

An Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 which features a spider coachwork design by Figoni from the 1930s, won the 'Best of Show' title at Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. Classic Driver reported that the top prize of 'Best of Show' was awarded to a bright blue 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300.

The car mesmerized audience with astonishingly original shape. With its eight-cylinder, supercharged engine, the Alfa Romeo 8C 2300, designed by Vittorio Jano, achieved great success in 1930s motorsport, winning the Mille Miglia in 1932 and Le Mans from 1931 to 1934.

Beyond its racing prowess, the Alfa Romeo 8C also garnered popularity as a sought-after road car. It was available in both long and short chassis versions. Coachbuilders such as Touring, Zagato, Brianza, and Figoni utilized the Alfa Romeo 8C as a canvas to craft some of the most exquisite sports cars of that era.

The victorious Alfa 8C 2300 at the recent Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este is one of just ten road cars featuring a Spider body crafted by Figoni. Originally used in the Paris-Nice Rally and the Grossglockner hillclimb by its first owners in the 1930s, the car was later sold by Luigi Chinetti to Henri d'Autichamp's father as a gift for his son's 21st birthday in 1937. While Henri served in the Navy during World War II in Asia, the Alfa Romeo remained stored in a barn with minimal use until the 1970s.

Under the custodianship of a single owner for 77 years, the vehicle stayed undiscovered until the 21st century, preserving its genuine, unaltered state discreetly in France. In 2014, when Henri d'Autichamp reached the age of 98, the Alfa Romeo was unveiled.

Subsequently, on Sunday evening, the present Belgian owner of this extraordinary, perfectly preserved Alfa 8C 2300 joyfully received the 'Best of Show' award at Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este.

According to BMW Group, the award presentation was conducted by Helmut Käs, the Head of BMW Group Classic and President of Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, along with Wilhelm Schmid, the CEO of A. Lange und Söhne.

In addition to the impressive trophy, the victor chosen by the Jury was gifted a one-of-a-kind model of the 1815 Chronograph made of white gold. This special timepiece was custom-crafted by A. Lange und Söhne specifically for the recipient of the Best of Show title.