Equipment
2,336cc/142hp inline eight, supercharged, dark red wire wheels, Dunlop Racing tires, single rear-mounted spare, top hinged windshield, Marchal headlights, steering column mounted Jaeger chronometric tach.
Condition
#3 Good
Runs and drives well. Flaws not noticeable to passersby. Most common condition.
A particularly handsome and comfortable combination of Joseph Figoni coachwork and the allure of its marvelous Vittorio Jano supercharged eight cylinder engine. Checkered history of the chassis/engine/body combination, chassis renumbered to match the engine. Restored by Chris Leydon for Robert Rubin in the U.S. in the 80''s. What seems clear is that all the significant components are Alfa-built in period. Sound older paint with various small chips and stress point cracks. Wrinkled, comfortable upholstery. Very good older restored chassis and engine. Bright chrome. A great car for tours.
Market commentary
This was always going to be a tough sell with the Alfa 8C and Figoni reputation balanced against the assembled history. In situations like this value is difficult to assess and Bonhams was soliciting opinions right up to sale day, including while going for a ride in it on Monday (it does all the things, and makes all the noises, an Alfa 8C is renowned for.) The bidders'' discretion in putting down their paddles at this point makes some sense, but equally might reflect an abundance of caution, something that is rather typical these days. Only when someone puts pen to checkbook will a value be established.