Alfa Romeo 8C Roadster Monza

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Description

The Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Roadster Monza is a legendary pre-war racing car that represents the pinnacle of Alfa Romeo’s engineering and motorsport success during the early 1930s. Designed under the direction of Vittorio Jano, the 8C Monza is named after the famous Italian racetrack, reflecting its purpose-built nature for high-speed competition. This variant of the 8C 2300 series was specifically designed for racing, blending cutting-edge performance with a lightweight and aerodynamic design.

At the heart of the Monza is a 2.3-liter straight-eight engine equipped with a Roots-type supercharger, producing an impressive 165 horsepower. This powerful engine, paired with a four-speed manual transmission, allowed the car to reach top speeds of over 125 mph—an extraordinary achievement for its time. The engine’s design, featuring dual overhead camshafts and dry sump lubrication, ensured reliability and performance even under the extreme demands of endurance racing.

The Monza’s chassis was a shortened and more rigid version of the standard 8C 2300, improving its agility and handling. With its lightweight construction and precise steering, the car was exceptionally nimble, making it well-suited for both high-speed straights and tight corners. The independent front suspension and live rear axle, combined with drum brakes on all four wheels, provided excellent control and stopping power.

Visually, the Monza is a masterpiece of function-driven design. Its low-slung, open-top bodywork, often crafted by Zagato, emphasized aerodynamics and simplicity. The long hood, exposed wheels, and minimalistic rear end gave it a purposeful and aggressive stance. A single seat or two-seat configuration was common, depending on the race or regulations. The exposed cockpit featured basic instrumentation, with a focus on providing the driver with essential information for racing.

The Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza gained its fame through its incredible performance on the track. It achieved numerous victories, including at the Targa Florio, the Mille Miglia, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Tazio Nuvolari, one of the greatest racing drivers of all time, drove the 8C Monza to some of his most iconic victories, further cementing its legacy in motorsport history.

Today, the Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Roadster Monza is considered one of the most significant and collectible pre-war racing cars. Its rarity, with only a limited number built, and its storied racing pedigree make it highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. The Monza’s combination of innovative engineering, competitive success, and timeless design ensures its place as a centerpiece in the history of both Alfa Romeo and motorsport. It continues to be celebrated at historic racing events and concours d’elegance around the world, where it remains a symbol of the golden age of racing and Italian automotive excellence.

Additional information

Manufacturer

Alfa Romeo

Country

Italy

Production Started

1931

Production Stopped

1935

Vehicle Type

Bodystyle

Roadster

Number of Doors

2

Number of Seats

2

Top Speed

118 mph (190 km/h)

0-60 mph (0-100 kph)

Power

118 / 160 / 158 @ 5600 rpm

Torque

Engine Manufacturer

Alfa Romeo

Engine

Inline 8

Engine Location

Front

Engine Displacement

2336 cc (141.9 cu in)

Valvetrain

DOHC

Valves per Cylinder

2

Bore / Stroke

65 x 88 mm (2.559 x 3.465 in)

Compression Ratio

5.8:1

Cooling System

Water

Charging System

Fuel Type

Petrol

Fuel System

Carburator, 1 x Memini

Aspiration

Normal

Fuel Capacity

Drive

Rear

Transmission

M4

Steering

Front Brakes

Rear Brakes

Front Suspension

Rear Suspension

Tyre Dimensions

Chassis

Weight

1000 kg (2205 lb)

Length

Width

Height

1651 mm (65 in)

Wheelbase

2750 mm (108.3 in)