2009 | Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

• Exceptionally well specified, including triple-layer Rosso 8C paintwork
• Just under 7,000 miles from new
• Recently serviced by Meridien Modena and fitted with four new tyres
• A UK car from new; offered from eight years of single-family ownership
• Accompanied by a fitted luggage set, its original manuals, and two keys
• One of only 41 8C Competiziones sold new to the UK

‘Can a car ever be art?’

That was Jeremy Clarkson’s introduction to the BBC’s Top Gear segment on Alfa Romeo’s new 8C Competizione, in what is perhaps one of the most memorable films from the series’ heyday. Alfa Romeo’s first and only foray into the world of modern supercars, the 8C Competizione certainly put the establishment on notice. Here was a car designed to take the fight to the supercar elite, boasting truly breathtaking aesthetics and a 4.7-litre V-8 engine assembled by Ferrari and with an exhaust note to die for. Italian motoring at its very best, it recalled several of Alfa Romeo’s most celebrated models from throughout the firm’s illustrious history—a back catalogue that stretched almost 100 years at the time of the model’s unveiling. It also served as Alfa Romeo’s brave re-entry into the North American market, so it was only natural that US customers received the largest share of 8C Competiziones.

Just 41 examples of Alfa Romeo’s halo model would be delivered new to the United Kingdom, which represented about 8% of global production. One of that tiny cohort, the example presented here bears serial number 426/500 and was delivered new to Robert Kemp of Southampton in April of 2009. Finished in the cost-option and highly desirable Rosso 8C paintwork, it also boasts optional ball-polished wheels, painted Alfa Romeo ‘Quadrifoglios’ on both wings, and full-grain black braided leather.

Having remained in the UK from new, the Alfa Romeo passed into the care of the current owners—becoming just the fifth registered keeper on the V5—in June 2015, at which point the car had covered just 4,517 miles from new. While in current ownership, a further 2,500 miles have been covered, and the odometer currently displays just under 7,000 miles from new. The car is accompanied by its original manuals and service book, which show that it has only been cared for by authorised Ferrari and Maserati dealers throughout its life, including Meridien Modena, Stratstone Manchester, and Dick Lovett in Swindon.

Its most recent service was carried out in April 2023 at 6,845 miles, and the car was fitted with four new Pirelli P Zero tyres shortly thereafter. In addition to the aforementioned owner’s manuals, the car is accompanied by a set of fitted luggage, two sets of keys, a car cover, and a history file, including a handful of service invoices from its current ownership.

Arguably one of the most attractive cars of the 21st century, and—according to Mr. Clarkson on Top Gear —‘the best looking car ever made’, Alfa Romeo’s 8C Competizione remains the company’s modern-day halo model. Exceedingly rare in the UK, this beautifully presented example would make an excellent alternative to—or stablemate for—a comparable Ferrari or Aston Martin. With fewer than 7,000 miles from new and recent service work, this example needs nothing but a new owner.

So, could a car ever be art? Our answer is an emphatic ‘yes’—and the Alfa 8C Competizione would make a fantastic case study.