Brian Henniker, courtesy of Gooding & Company

The Iconic 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider: A Masterpiece of Automotive History

By Jessica Pena

Step back in time to an era where automotive design and engineering reached unprecedented heights. The 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider, with its elegant curves, powerful performance, and rich history, stands as a beacon of luxury and sophistication. Discover why this masterpiece continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts around the globe.

Key Takeaways
  • Historical Importance: The 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider is a significant vehicle in automotive history, representing the pinnacle of pre-war design and engineering.
  • Engineering Excellence: Powered by a supercharged 2.9-liter straight-eight engine, this car delivers 180 horsepower and a top speed of 110 mph, featuring advanced technology such as double wishbone suspension and hydraulic brakes.
  • Timeless Design: Crafted by Carrozzeria Touring, the car boasts an elongated body, lightweight aluminum panels, and a luxurious interior, making it a standout in both performance and aesthetics.
  • Collector's Dream: Its rarity and historical significance make it a highly sought-after vehicle in the collector’s market, often fetching millions at prestigious auctions.

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The Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider, a 1938 Model Year Launch
The Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider, which was built in 1938, is a classic car from the heyday of Italian automotive design and engineering. Collectors and fans alike continue to covet this vehicle for its legendary status, breathtaking good looks, and outstanding performance. An exquisite example of pre-war automotive elegance, the 8C 2900B Lungo Spider was hand-built by the illustrious Carrozzeria Touring.

Importance and Impact on History
Introduced in the 1930s, the Alfa Romeo 8C series was instrumental in cementing Alfa Romeo’s status as a manufacturer of high-performance automobiles. As an upgrade to the 8C 2300—an earlier model that had great success—the 8C 2900B introduced cutting-edge technical advancements that revolutionized the car industry. A favorite of the wealthy of the time, the 1938 Lungo Spider variant’s stretched chassis provided the ideal combination of speed and luxury.

The 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider being offered through Gooding & Company.

Achieving Greatness in Engineering
Cutting-Edge Tech
An astonishing 180 horsepower is produced by the supercharged 2.9-liter straight-eight engine used in the 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider. With this incredible engine and a four-speed manual gearbox, the car could reach speeds of up to 110 mph, which was unheard of back then. The car’s handling and stopping power were further boosted by the hydraulic brakes and sophisticated double wishbone suspension system, making for a snappy and comfortable driving experience.

Key Performance Indicators
Technical Information
EngineEngine: 2.9-liter I8 Supercharged Power: 180 horsepower
Maximum Speed: 110 mph Motorscheme4-speed shifter
Putting offWishbone with two ends
Stopping the power of the hydraulic cylinder
Beauty and Form
Expertise at Carrozzeria Touring
An aristocratic masterpiece of automobile design is the 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider. A lightweight tubular frame covered with aluminum panels was the basis of Carrozzeria Touring’s Superleggera (super light) construction process, which allowed them to create a sturdy yet lightweight vehicle. The Lungo Spider enchants collectors and fans alike for its classic good looks, which include lengthy bodywork, flowing lines, and graceful curves.

Interior Splendor
Featuring high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship, the 8C 2900B Lungo Spider’s interior is almost as remarkable. Sleek instrumentation that is accurate to the period, plush leather seats, and exquisitely carved wood trim decorate the cockpit. The car’s performance is enhanced by the sumptuous surroundings created by the blend of luxury and meticulous attention to detail.

The dark-blue paint scheme and present upholstery was part of a complete restoration in 1994.

Triumph at Auction and the Goal of Every Collector
Collectors swoon over this 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider due to its extreme rarity and historical importance. When it was on display at illustrious auctions like Gooding & Company’s Pebble Beach sale, record-breaking bids of several million dollars were placed. This antique car is guaranteed to be the showpiece of any collection thanks to its pristine history, stunning good looks, and exceptional performance.

In summary
Finally, if you’re looking for a prime example of pre-war Italian automobile design, go no further than the 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider. Its historical importance, stunning design, and cutting-edge engineering all come together to make it a timeless classic vehicle icon. Among collectors and enthusiasts, it remains awe-inspiring and a testament to the mastery of Italian craftsmanship; it is often considered one of the best cars of all time.

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"The 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider is not just a car; it is a timeless masterpiece that exemplifies the perfect fusion of art and engineering. Its legacy as one of the greatest automobiles ever produced is well-deserved, captivating the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors for generations."