RETURN to listing

AlfaRomeo8C2900-S

SPECIFICATION

Engine:
Straight eight; 68 x 100 mm, 2905 cc; dohc, twin Roots-type superchargers; max power, 8C 2900B, 180 bhp at 5,200 rpm

Transmission:
Four speed manual gearbox.

Suspension:
Front; independent by trailing links, coil springs and shock absorbers; rear, indpendent by swing axle, transverse leaf spring and shock absorbers.

Brakes:
Drum brakes

Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 110.5 in 118 in (280/300 cm);
Track: Front and Rear: 52 in (132 cm)

Max speed:
Short wheel base 115 mph (185 kmh or long wheelbase 106 mph (170 kmh)
Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 1936/39



Alfa Romeo continued its eight-cylinder sports car theme in the second half of the 1930s with the 8C2900. This proved as successful on road and track as its predecessor, and had a claim to be Europe's fastest production road car.

All change under the skin

8Cs reflected changing times, in having all-independent suspension, a box section chassis and hydraulic brakes. The engine layout was carried over, although it more directly followed the 1934 Grand Prix version with two superchargers.

Prestige

Failures in Grand Prix racing meant that Italy looked to sports cars for racing success. The first three cars built for competitions in 1936 (8C 2900As) started the ball rolling, with a 1-2-3 in the Mille Miglia. this success was repeated by the definitive cars the 8C 2900Bs which came in short and long-chassis forms, and Carrozzeria Touring built some of the most elegant spyder bodies on them.

This 8C 2900B with a one-off coupe body was run at Le Mans by Alfa Corse in 1938, retiring in the second half of the 24 hour race when it had a 100 mile lead.

Photo Autopresse
MCMXCI, Edito-Service S.A. D1 078 01-08

RETURN to listing