1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2600 "Monza"

1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2600 "Monza" Two-Seater Special

Coachwork: Factory Monza Style by Neil Twyman
Engine No.: 2211083

Key Highlights:

• Offered from Long-Term Private Collection Ownership
• Built for David Uihlein by Esteemed Alfa Romeo Specialist Neil Twyman
• Incorporates Original 8C 2300 Engine, Gearbox, Steering Box, and Period Components
• Exacting Recreation of Monza Bodywork with a Newly Built Frame
• Highly Usable and Eligible for Historic Racing Events

Specifications:

• Engine: 2,557cc DOHC All-Alloy Supercharged 8-Cylinder
• Induction: Single 2-Barrel Carburetor
• Power Output: Approx. 185bhp at 5,000rpm
• Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
• Suspension: 4-Wheel Leaf Spring
• Brakes: 4-Wheel Drum Brakes

The Alfa Romeo 8C – A Motorsport Icon

The Alfa Romeo 8C of the 1930s is widely regarded as one of the most legendary racing cars of its era. A direct development of Vittorio Jano’s highly successful 6C 1750, the 8C added two extra cylinders, increased displacement by 550cc, and incorporated a Roots-style supercharger, resulting in a significant 70% boost in power to 142bhp.

The 8C-2300 debuted in 1931 at the Mille Miglia, quickly proving itself as the dominant force in motorsports. That same year, the Grand Prix version took 1st and 2nd place at Monza, earning the now-iconic "Monza" name. The Alfa 8C-2300 became the car to beat, securing three consecutive victories at Le Mans, as well as wins at the Targa Florio, Monaco Grand Prix, and Spa 24 Hours. This overwhelming dominance cemented the 8C’s reputation as one of the most versatile and capable competition cars ever produced.

The Car Offered

This Alfa Romeo 8C Monza Special was commissioned by prominent collector David Uihlein, a dedicated Alfa enthusiast known for acquiring and preserving some of the world’s finest vintage automobiles. The project was entrusted to renowned UK-based Alfa Romeo specialist Neil Twyman, who executed a meticulous recreation of the Monza-bodied Alfa Romeo 8C 2600 using authentic period components.

The foundation of this build lies in original mechanical components sourced from 8C chassis no. 2211083, including the original 8C 2300 engine, gearbox, and steering box. According to Simon Moore’s authoritative book The Legendary 2.3, chassis no. 2211083 was originally a long-wheelbase model delivered new in Turin before being shipped to the United States either just before or immediately after World War II.

By the 1950s, the car had fallen into the hands of American radio personality Jack Williams, who struggled with the engine and swapped it for a Mercury V8. Additionally, the original bodywork was removed, and the car was modified into a makeshift touring special. When the vehicle was rediscovered in Arizona during the 1980s, it underwent a restoration, receiving a different engine (2311205), while the original engine and gearbox remained in Uihlein’s collection.

In the late 1990s, Uihlein partnered with Neil Twyman to build a Monza Special using the original drivetrain and period-correct components. A brand-new rolling chassis frame was sourced from Italy, while the rear axle was repurposed from Uihlein’s P3 Alfa Romeo. Twyman’s meticulous craftsmanship ensured that the build closely adhered to 1934 Monza specifications, including the 2.6L engine upgrade.

Completion and Provenance

The completed car was finished in 2001 and shipped to the United States, where it remained in Uihlein’s collection. In 2007, the Alfa Monza Special was sold at auction, joining the stable of a prominent collector alongside some of the most important competition cars of the pre-war and immediate post-war eras.

For the past 16 years, the Alfa has been meticulously maintained, remaining in ready-to-drive condition while showing minimal signs of aging despite its 20-year-old restoration.

A Unique and Usable Monza Recreation

The Alfa 8C Monza has been one of the most coveted and reproduced racing cars for decades. Throughout the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, many long-wheelbase 8C chassis were reconfigured into Monza-style bodies, often losing their historical integrity in the process. This example, however, represents the best of both worlds—retaining original Alfa Romeo Portello (Milan) mechanical components while incorporating modern chassis and coachwork, ensuring a more accessible and reliable driving experience.

With three of five major mechanical components being period-correct, this car may be eligible for historic racing and concours events, offering the next custodian an authentic pre-war Alfa experience at a fraction of the cost of an original eight-figure Monza.

Summary

• Faithful Recreation of the Legendary Alfa Romeo 8C Monza
• Built by Renowned Specialist Neil Twyman for David Uihlein
• Incorporates Original 8C 2300 Engine, Gearbox, and Steering Box
• Maintained in Ready-to-Use Condition for 16 Years
• Potentially Eligible for Historic Racing and Concours Events

This Alfa Romeo 8C 2600 Monza Special is a stunning tribute to one of the greatest racing cars of all time, blending historical authenticity with usability. It represents an incredible opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts alike to own a piece of Alfa Romeo’s racing legacy.