The Online Magazine for Italian and French Classic Car Enthusiasts
Story by Graham Gauld
From time to time I go through photographs that have been taken years ago, printed up and then forgotten in boxes. Obviously, some get ditched as they are unlikely to be relevant to anything I intend to write in the future, but others come as interesting surprises. As VeloceToday seems to attract people who appreciate and admire coachbuilding I set aside one or two which I thought might be worth mentioning. These are two such examples.
As part of the series of Demonstration Days at the Simeone Foundation VeloceToday was provided an opportunity to drive two very special Alfa Romeos, an 8C 2300 and an RLSS. A special thanks to Fred Simeone, Harry Hurst and Curator Kevin Kelly.
Please make note that on June 19, the Foundation will present “Alfa Romeo turns 100” and bring out eight Alfas ranging in date from 1927 to 1975, including five rare 8C models.
By Pete Vack
Color photos by Harry Hurst
Serial number 2211072, the Alfa Romeo 8C2300 MM Spyder on display at the Simeone Foundation in Philadelphia, is the only 8C 2300 Spyder to be bodied by Castagna. According to Simon Moore, it likely started life as a factory racecar before being sold to privateers. Raced in the 1935 Mille Miglia by Catullo Lami and Pasquale Ermini, (who would later build Etceterinis) it was forced to retire. Exported to the UK it led a happy and active life for many years with a number of enthusiastic owners. It has a few famous ex’s, but our favorite is Charles Addams, who is also the editor’s favorite cartoonist. (Next week we’ll tell you more about Addams and his family of cars.) Furthermore, aside from an engine rebuild in the UK, this 8C 2300 is apparently original and unrestored. All of which make this a very, very special Alfa 8C 2300. (For more details on this Alfa, see “Reflections on a Castagna Alfa”). So, without further wordiness, let’s get it on. [Read more…] about VeloceToday Drives the 8C 2300 Alfa Mille Miglia Castagna