A rare piece of automotive history is about to cross the auction block, and it could fetch over $5.5 million. The vehicle in question? A 1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Torpedo—one of the most iconic pre-war Italian sports cars ever built.
With a supercharged straight-eight engine, coachwork by famed Parisian carrossier Joseph Figoni, and an unbroken provenance dating back nearly a century, this Alfa Romeo is more than a car—it’s rolling art with racing pedigree.
Why the Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Is So Legendary
Known as the “premier prewar Italian sports car,” the 8C 2300 wasn’t just beautiful—it was a dominant force in motorsport. It racked up multiple victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 1000 Miglia, solidifying Alfa Romeo’s position at the top of the automotive world in the 1930s.
Its success allowed Alfa to offer road-going variants to customers. These were sold as bare chassis and then custom-bodied by elite coachbuilders, including Zagato, Touring, and Figoni.
Under the Hood: Supercharged Performance
Despite being built over 90 years ago, this car was a technological marvel for its time:
- Engine: 2.3-liter, all-aluminum, twin-cam inline-8
- Forced Induction: Supercharged
- Output: 138 horsepower
- Estimated Value: $4 million to $5.5 million
To put that in perspective: if it sells for $5.5 million, the buyer will pay nearly $40,000 per horsepower, compared to the modern average of $837/hp. But this car isn’t about numbers—it’s about heritage, rarity, and unmatched design.
The Torpedo Body: Figoni’s Streamlined Elegance
This particular 8C 2300 features the rare Torpedo-style roadster body, designed and hand-built by Joseph Figoni. According to experts, Figoni only bodied seven 8C 2300s between 1932 and 1935, making this example exceptionally rare.
Key Design Features Include:
- Monza-style cowl
- Dual-mounted spare wheels
- Folding soft top with exposed bows
- Separate trunk
- No side windows or beltline — clean, minimalist design
- Rare “Alfa Romeo Paris” badge on the nose
As described by automotive historians Peter M. Larsen and Ben Erickson, the car’s styling is “understated yet exciting”—a snapshot of design just before aerodynamics took over the automotive world.
Nearly a Century of Provenance
Chassis 2311207 has enjoyed a rich, well-documented history, having passed through the hands of some of the world’s most respected collectors.
Ownership Timeline Highlights:
- 1933: Ordered in Paris by first owner Louis Jeantet
- 1953: Exported to the UK, registered in Norfolk
- 1961: Brought to the U.S. by collector Joel Finn, then purchased by Stanford Landell, a GM executive
- 1965: Won Best of Show at Detroit’s Carnival of Cars and First Place at AACA Fall Meet
- 1980s–2000s: Owned by various Alfisti, including Karl Eric Fröjd, Henry W. Petronis, and current private collector
- Pebble Beach Appearances: Shown at 2013 and 2022 Concours d’Elegance
The current owner had the car expertly repainted by Dennison International in a dark blue over red color scheme that perfectly complements its timeless lines.
When and Where to See It
This incredible machine will be auctioned by Gooding & Company at the Pebble Beach Auctions on August 15–16, 2025. With a pre-sale estimate topping $5 million, it’s expected to become one of the highest-selling prewar cars of the year.
A Masterpiece for Collectors
The 1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Torpedo by Figoni represents the pinnacle of early automotive design, engineering, and racing success. It’s a car that combines pedigree, artistry, and rarity, making it an irresistible prize for serious collectors.
If it reaches its estimate, it won’t just be one of the most expensive cars sold at Pebble Beach—it will also reaffirm the Alfa 8C’s status as a true legend of the prewar era.
