SPECIFICATIONEngine:
Straight eight 65 x 88mm;
2336 cc Twin ohc, single supercharger;
Max power, 142 bhp At 5000rpm;
Competition cars up to 165 bhp at 5400 rpm;
Transmission:
Four speed manual gearbox.
Suspension:
None-Independent all round, by semi-elliptical springs and friction shock absorbers;
Brakes:
Drum brakes
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 108 in (274 cm) or 122 in (310 cm);
Track: Front and rear, 54 in (137 cm);
Max speed:
Approx 115 mph (184 kmh) |
Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 1931/34
As the 1930s opened, Alfa Romeo looked to Vittorio Jano to follow up his successful 6C sports cars and, sensibly, he incorporated many features from these in the first 8C. This proved a potent race winner and in 1931 Birkin and Howe scored the first of four consecutive Alfa victories at Le Mans in an 8C.
Advanced specification
Many sports cars of the 1920's relied on big engines. Jano went for muli-cylinder high reving efficiency. His erngine was neatly divided into two blocks of four cylinders, separated by a train of gears driving the Rootes-Type supercharger, twin overhead camshafts and the pumps - it was a beautiful peice of machinery. The chassis enabled the cars to be low built and coupled with a wide track gaver them a lithe, puroseful look.
Fitness for purpose
The 8C's were expensive when new - preserved examples have astronomical values - and rewarded careful maintenance. The ride was hard, but the combination of hard springs and chassis made it handle like a thoroughbred. And it's engine, supercharger and straight cut gears combined to make exhilarating music..
Picture of a thoroughbred. A Spyder corsa by Zagato on a short-chassis Alfa-Romeo 8C.
Photo Autopresse
MCMXCI, Edito-Service S.A. D1 078 02-15
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