Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider 1939
Production & VIN: 412041; Thirty-two 2900Bs were built in regular production, ten in 1937,
and twenty-two in 1938. Another 2900B was assembled from parts in 1941.
Sold for: USD 19.8 million
Auction house: RM Sotheby's
Sale date: August 20, 2016
Seller: Anonymous owner
Buyer: Anonymous buyer
The 8C designates 8 cylinders, and originally a straight 8-cylinder engine. The Vittorio Jano designed 8C was Alfa Romeo's primary racing engine from its introduction in 1931 to its retirement in 1939. In addition to the two-seater sports cars it was used in the world's first genuine single-seat Grand Prix racing car, the Monoposto 'Tipo B' - P3 from 1932 onwards. In its later development it powered such vehicles as the twin-engined 1935 6.3-litre Bimotore, the 1935 3.8-litre Monoposto 8C 35 Type C, and the Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Mille Miglia Roadster. It also powered top-of-the-range coach-built production models, including a Touring Spider and Touring Berlinetta.