Created in a limited run of 500 coupés and 329 ‘Spider’ convertible variants, the 8C (‘Otto Cilindri’) was conceived as love letter to the beauty and emotion of the automobile. With heritage dating back to the straight-8 racers of the 1930’s, the 8C nameplate was reincarnated once again in 2003, this time in the form of a concept car at the Frankfurt Auto Show —a car almost identical to the production model that would come four years later.

In addition to the sumptuous lines penned by Wolfgang Egger, the 8C’s drivetrain also captured the magic of Italian motoring: a 4.7L Ferrari V8 gave it the melodic sound and a mighty pull —all 444 horses ticking north of 300kmph— worthy of one of Modena’s creations. A fast-changing, six-speed computerized gearbox would ensure seamless delivery of power to the tarmac, with the help of a limited-slip differential.

Different versions of the 8C were offered along the years: a Spider, from 2007 to 2010; a one-off TZ3 Corsa by Zagato, and perhaps the best well-known: the Disco Volante, a tribute to Alfa’s ‘flying saucer’ from the early 1950’s, coachbuilt by Carrozzeria Touring.

This particular ‘Competizione’ coupé, finished in the brand’s iconic shade of red, is one of 70 cars delivered to Japan. With less than 4,000 kilometres on the clock, it is a fully original automobile with minute maintenance history, all factory accessories, and pedigree worthy of a dignified spot amongst other notable Italian thoroughbreds.