Alfa Romeo 8C Spider 2010 - World Of Classic Cars -

Alfa Romeo 8C Spider 2010

The 8C name was first used on Alfa Romeo models in the 1930s, and it signified the presence of Vittorio Jano’s wonderful straight eight-cylinder engine. Not only would the engine garner victories for Alfa Romeo at the Targa Florio, the Italian Grand Prix, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it would also find its way into some of Alfa Romeo’s top-of-the-line coach built touring cars commissioned for Europe’s most discerning clients.
For their newest top-of-the-line eight-cylinder model, Alfa Romeo chose to use the 8C name again, in the form of a concept car, called the 8C Competizione, which was first shown in 2003 at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Its design was meant to echo the voluptuous Alfa Romeo race cars of the 1950s and 1960s, and it captivated everyone who saw it. The V-8 was equally as sumptuous, and it was directly derived from Alfa Romeo’s corporate cousins at Ferrari and Maserati. In 2006, at the Paris Motor Show, Alfa Romeo announced that the 8C would enter production and a total of 500 examples would be built. The production version would visually be very similar to the original concept, with only minor changes made to improve real-world functionality and practicality.

Alfa Romeo 8C Spider 2010

Following the success of the coupé, a spider was introduced on the concept lawn at the 2005 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and in 2008, Alfa Romeo announced that they would be producing 500 8C Spiders, with customer deliveries starting in 2009. Rather than just chopping the top off the coupé, Alfa Romeo made sure that the spider would deliver similar driving dynamics and a near 50/50 weight distribution by strengthening the chassis, relocating the springs and dampers, and fitting carbon-ceramic brakes. As a result, a sprint to 100 km/h takes 4.5 seconds and its top speed is 180 mph, just a hair slower than its hardtop sibling. Also like the coupé, the interior is swathed in leather, aluminium, and carbon fibre, making for a luxurious yet equally sporty atmosphere.

Alfa Romeo 8C Spider 2010

This particular 2010 example is quite stunning, as it is finished in Shell White pearlescent paint and has a red leather interior with contrasting black stitching and an optional matching red convertible top. Additionally, it comes loaded with every option available, including Alfa Romeo’s distinctive quadrifoglio painted on the front wings, red brake callipers, 20-inch “telephone” wheels, a Becker stereo with CD/MP3/Bluetooth capabilities, and rain-sensing windshield wipers, amongst many others. Its bi-xenon headlights provide plenty of visibility at night, and the Alfa’s stability control ensures that the car is always sure-footed on the road.

Alfa Romeo 8C Spider 2010

To many, the Alfa Romeo 8C Spider is one of the most attractive cars built thus far in the 21st century, echoing iconic Alfa Romeos of years past through both name and design.