Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B Touring Berlinetta

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Description

The Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B Touring Berlinetta is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and sophisticated automobiles of the pre-war era. Introduced in the late 1930s as part of Alfa Romeo’s 8C 2900 B series, this car epitomized the marriage of advanced engineering and elegant design. With coachwork by the renowned Carrozzeria Touring, it represented the pinnacle of luxury, performance, and style, cementing its place as an icon of automotive history.

At the heart of the 8C 2900 B Touring Berlinetta lies Alfa Romeo’s advanced 2.9-liter straight-eight engine, a masterpiece of engineering designed by Vittorio Jano. Featuring dual overhead camshafts and twin Roots-type superchargers, the engine produced approximately 180–220 horsepower, depending on the configuration. This immense power allowed the car to reach top speeds of over 120 mph, an extraordinary achievement for its time. Paired with a four-speed manual gearbox, the drivetrain delivered smooth and responsive performance, making the Touring Berlinetta both a thrilling driver’s car and a capable grand tourer.

The 8C 2900 B chassis was available in two wheelbase configurations: Corto (short) and Lungo (long). The Touring Berlinetta typically utilized the longer Lungo chassis, which provided greater interior space and enhanced comfort for long-distance journeys. The chassis featured independent suspension on all four wheels, using transverse leaf springs and trailing arms—a groundbreaking innovation that delivered exceptional ride quality and handling. Hydraulic drum brakes ensured reliable stopping power, further enhancing the car’s usability and safety.

What truly sets the 8C 2900 B Touring Berlinetta apart is its breathtaking bodywork, crafted by Carrozzeria Touring using the patented “Superleggera” construction method. This technique combined a lightweight tubular steel framework with aluminum body panels, creating a car that was both lightweight and structurally rigid. The design of the Berlinetta was a masterpiece of Art Deco-inspired elegance, characterized by its long, flowing lines, curvaceous fenders, and a teardrop-shaped greenhouse. The grille, headlights, and other details were meticulously integrated into the overall design, exuding both sophistication and aerodynamic efficiency.

Inside, the Touring Berlinetta offered a level of luxury rarely seen in cars of the era. The cabin was appointed with the finest materials, including hand-stitched leather upholstery, polished wood accents, and meticulously crafted metalwork. The dashboard featured an array of elegantly designed instruments, reflecting the car’s dual purpose as both a performance machine and a symbol of refinement. Attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the interior, creating an environment of unparalleled comfort and beauty.

Despite its focus on luxury, the 8C 2900 B Touring Berlinetta retained the performance credentials of its racing counterparts. It was capable of competing in prestigious events such as the Mille Miglia, where it demonstrated remarkable speed, reliability, and handling. In fact, the 8C 2900 series as a whole was known for its dominance in motorsport, further enhancing the allure of the Touring Berlinetta.

Today, the Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B Touring Berlinetta is considered one of the most valuable and collectible classic cars in existence. With only a handful of examples ever built, it is a rare and coveted masterpiece, often fetching record-breaking prices at auctions. Its appearances at events like the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance continue to captivate enthusiasts and collectors, serving as a testament to its enduring legacy as one of the greatest automobiles ever made.

Additional information

Manufacturer

Alfa Romeo

Country

Italy

Production Started

1938

Production Stopped

1938

Vehicle Type

Bodystyle

Coupe

Number of Doors

2

Number of Seats

2 + 2

Top Speed

112 mph (180 kph)

0-60 mph (0-100 kph)

Power

132 / 180 / 178 @ 5200 rpm

Torque

Engine Manufacturer

Alfa Romeo

Engine

Inline 8

Engine Location

Front

Engine Displacement

2905 cc (176.4 cu in)

Valvetrain

DOHC

Valves per Cylinder

Bore / Stroke

68 x 100 mm (2.677 x 3.937 in)

Compression Ratio

5.8:1

Cooling System

Water

Charging System

Fuel Type

Petrol

Fuel System

Carburator, 2 x Zenith

Aspiration

Supercharged, 2 x Roots

Fuel Capacity

Drive

Rear

Transmission

M4

Steering

Front Brakes

Rear Brakes

Front Suspension

Rear Suspension

Tyre Dimensions

Chassis

Weight

1195 kg (2635 lb)

Length

Width

Height

Wheelbase

2800 mm (110.2 in)