1933 Alfa Romeo 8C Monza Pur Sang Recreation
Chassis No. 2311245
Engine No. 2311245
Red with Tobacco Leather
For more than a century, Alfa Romeos have captured the very essence of motorsports history. The cars, engineers, and the courageous drivers have become legends interwoven in the pantheon of performance excellence, forever captured in the hearts of contemporary collectors and enthusiasts. Among these great cars, the undisputed pinnacle of excellence continues to reign as the most celebrated of them all; the Alfa Romeo 8C.
Regarded by premier automotive historians and collectors as the finest pre-war sports car ever built, the mystique of the Alfa Romeo 8C is only surpassed by the joy of those fortunate to engage in the driving experience. The engine design, fully and passionately developed by Vittorio Jano, was a revelation of engineering years ahead of its implementation. Jano himself was nothing short of genius, but his genius was not simply technical. His designs were both durable and efficient. His temperament, however, was not. His demanding work ethic and insistence on excellence were legendary, but they resulted in creations that would literally build the foundation of Alfa Romeo as a motorsports world leader. In 1925, just one year after constructing his first straight-eight engine for Alfa Romeo, they won the very first World Championship. Over time, the design for the emergent 8C progressed with a range of improvements, all the while resulting not just in numerous racing victories, but literally defining what high performance racing engines were all about. Further still, in proof of their versatility, select examples of these superlative engines were also fitted to majestic coachbuilt road cars.
The 8C engine would come to be regarded as one of the most potent and expensive offerings of this period, in part due to the sophisticated engineering, but also due to the incomparable Italian artistry evident in their construction. The dual-overhead cam supercharged engine was both a superb performance offering and a landmark work of visual art, resplendent with exotic castings, beautiful machining, and exquisite details. A listing of Alfa Romeo drivers from this period reads like a Who’s Who of pre-war racing; Chinetti, Nuvolari, and Ferrari, with victories at the Targa Florio, Italian Grand Prix, Monza, and Le Mans, to name a few. So profoundly influential was the 8C motor that it would continue to develop and power, in various iterations, Alfa Romeo racing and road cars through the 1930s and into the 1940s.
Today, original Alfa Romeo 8C examples command prices well into the millions, consistent with the historic importance of these exceptional cars. Now and then however, a welcomed and superbly crafted recreation of premier provenance presents itself as a delightful opportunity for an enthusiast who enjoys the joys of driving pre-war racing cars without the worrisome burden of potentially damaging a museum-quality work of historic import.
Located in Argentina, Pur Sang is considered the premier fabrication enterprise, one that redefines classification. A car builder's dream come true; the facilities are nestled on the eastern shore of the Parana River. The Villa Lola location features old world craftsmanship at every turn with attention to detail, authenticity for all features, handcrafting even for the smallest components, and respect for original construction. Founded and run by enthusiasts committed to the craft of pre-war cars, every detail and feature of their cars are hand made using tools and methods from a rightfully cherished era. And while the company also builds other cars and aircraft engines from this period, without question, Pur Sang must be regarded as a pre-eminent and faithful constructor of the Alfa Romeo 8C.
Known for their near fanatical attention to authenticity and detail, Pur Sang recreations are built using original factory specifications, closely followed designs, similar construction methods, and precise material selections. Additionally, several mechanical aspects of the design are improved based on modern automotive technology including engine block castings using a light alloy crankcase, pressure lubrication, forged pistons, plain bearings, and modern oil seals to improve both durability and performance. The chassis rails are hand formed in the same manner as the originals with handcrafted aluminum body panels trimmed with detailed authentic touches in keeping with the original construction. The finished result is both a marvel of passionate craftsmanship and superlative period-based design and engineering.
This uniquely constructed Alfa Romeo 8C Monza recreation has benefited from enthusiastic care and regular servicing throughout ownership. Believed to have been commissioned by the first owner, a resident of Australia, the car found its way to the current owner approximately fifteen years ago. A premier vintage car enthusiast with the resources to command a collection of superlative cars, the Monza recreation presented the finest in build quality with notable accuracy. After the current owner purchased the car, more than $55,000 was spent with restoration experts at Bob Smith Coachworks, Gainesville, TX. During the summer 2008, work included inspection of all aspects of the car including mechanical operation, brakes, clutch, wheels, and electrical system. Items included stripping and refinishing the wheels, installing a custom-made floor mat, replating nickel chrome where needed, new seat belts, new radiator cap, new license plate bracket, new windshield post, new Addison glass windshield, fabricate custom made mirrors, and fabricate a new rear portion of the exhaust. Further work included rebuilding the starter, rebuilding the carburetor, testing and troubleshooting the brakes, and lubricating all systems. The outcome of these efforts presents not only a stunning example, the beauty and performance combine to supply the historic prominence and validation behind nearly a century of well-earned accolades.
Today this Alfa Romeo 8C recreation presents as one of the finest examples of Pur Sang craftsmanship. The beautiful deep red paint boasts a glossy finish and excellent detailing from the louvers and body rivets to the beautifully tapered rear end and tailored cycle fenders. The majestic construction is enhanced by captivating details and just the right level of finish to bring the composition together in a captivating and authentic way. The overall presentation is both honest and cohesive, with the right balance of materiality and authenticity. Throughout the bodywork, details continually delight including the perfectly perched Bosch headlights, mechanical fasteners, polished cast alloy fuel filler, leather bonnet straps, engraved Alfa Romeo script knockoffs, safety wiring, and cast aluminum finned drum brakes.
Evidence of material honesty is revealed in the finishes and casting integrity of these beautifully constructed parts. Of particular interest are hand-shaped aluminum cycle fenders, gorgeous tapered rear body section, and the aluminum louvered hood panels that conceal the legendary engine. These artful details are contrasted against the painted wire wheels shod with Blockley tires, further enhanced by the open cockpit, and leather-strapped side-mount wheel, all of which deliver the magic of exposed machinery and artistry of this beautifully crafted car. Every element of construction from the correctly formed body louvers, competition windscreens, and external exhaust, have been thoughtfully engaged with attention to accuracy and craftsmanship in keeping with the legendary 8C Alfa Romeo history.
The exterior alone would continue to enchant anyone with an interest in sculptural beauty, but it’s impossible to look away from the stunning and purposefully appointed cockpit evoking aircraft construction from this era. The rich tobacco brown leather seating has been configured with care and purposeful elegance including the matching side panels. The dashboard contains period correct instruments while a large dial tachometer is affixed to the steering column making it the perfect companion to the four-spoke steering wheel. Under the dash, authentic details continue with fabric wound wiring, black low-profile floor covering, exposed gearbox casting, and a tall lever-actuated hand brake to complete the harmony of finishes and purposeful dignity that only early period competition cars can offer.
Under the hood, this exceptional Alfa Romeo 8C Pur Sang recreation continues to impress. The engine features the crowning aluminum cam cover, while the driver’s side displays a cast aluminum finned exhaust manifold and supercharger intake plenum, flanked by a handsomely sculpted and machined steering box casting. Peering deeper behind the frame rail, the extraordinary and rare supercharger is quietly perched fed by a brass screened air intake trumpet. Here again, details and finishes are meticulously crafted with care and authenticity including the brass engine information plate, fuel and oil lines, mechanical linkages, and correct fabric wound ignition wires and electrical details. On the passenger side, the exhaust headers present with a purposeful satin black finish extending out to the heat shielded exhaust pipe. The firewall is finished in slate grey including an Alfa Romeo chassis plate identifying both the assigned chassis number and engine number. Underneath the car, finishes and coatings continue to echo consistency and accuracy with only modest evidence of use and here too, authentically capturing all the elements of the original and historically important competition cars in a readily usable and enjoyable example befitting the historic provenance and import that only the Alfa Romeo 8C lineage can deliver.
Engaging the ignition and pumping the fuel, the car erupts to great delight when started, letting loose a brilliant cam-filled symphony of engine sounds and exhaust note. Though pre-war cars can take some time to understand the starting procedure and driving dynamics, once familiar with these processes, the operation and ritual of preparation, anticipation, and the complete sensorial engagement becomes an integral part of the driving experience. Power and sounds engulf the driver and passenger as open-air motoring deliver on the promises of exhilarating competition events.
Beautifully constructed by the exceptional masters at Pur Sang, this Alfa Romeo 8C recreation is ready to offer countless hours of motoring enjoyment either leisurely behind the wheel or from a commanding position in vintage road tours or historic events. This vehical is sold on a Bill of Sale only.