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A Closer Look31 January 2023 by Encycaropedia 1007 Viewed

1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Berlinetta by Touring Superleggera

The origin of the Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 Touring

In 1925, Vittorio Jano, a former Fiat engineer employed by Enzo Ferrari for Alfa, designed the 1st 8 cylinder Alfa engine for P2, but having a different structure, it wasn’t known as an 8C. Alfa Romeo 8C engines consisted of 2 aluminum alloy 4-cyl blocks with integrated cylinder head, mounted on a single crankcase and aligned in a row forming a straight-8 layout. The 1st car to be formally dubbed 8C was 1931 8C 2300, later followed by some others like Scuderia Ferrari’s 8C 35.

A new variety debuted at 1935 London Motor Show, which was based on 8C 35 Grand Prix chassis but with a new engine, named 8C 2900. The 1st model, badged as 2900A, was a race car which achieved several successes including top 3 positions at 1936 and top 2 at 1937 Mille Miglia, also winning the 24 Hours of Spa in 1936. Alfa decided to build a road version of the 2900 which met the production line in 1937.

It was called 2900B and was intended to be a more comfortable version of the 2900A race car with a detuned engine for more convenience. The car had still kept its race spirit and was agile enough to be raced with a good handling borrowed from its racing brother. Two chassis types were available for the model, with a shorter wheelbase (Corto) and a longer one (Lungo). Presented just before WW2 and being very expensive, only 32 examples were sold during 1937-38 (plus one experimental model in 1941).

Custom coachbuilders were assigned to build proper luxurious bodies for the customers on 3 chassis types: Spider, Roadster & Berlinetta, and they all delivered the cars before the end of 1939. Most Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B chassis were bodied by Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, among which just 5 were Berlinettas. Each of the rare aerodynamic Berlinetta bodies by Touring are somehow unique due to the tastes and custom orders of the commissioners , but all so beautifully formed making this model one of the most glamorous cars ever made, which also carries all speed, sport, reliability, comfort and luxury factors. 2 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Berlinettas by Touring have won the “Best of Show” award at 2008 & 2018 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Technical specifications

8C 2900A had a 2905cc engine with a 6.5:1 compression ratio, producing 220bhp @ 5300rpm. 2900B, used a detuned derivative for more reliability with the same displacement, bore/stroke of 68/100mm, and DOHC 2Valves/Cyl valve gear, but a different compression ratio of 5.75:1. It was boosted, like 2900A, with a Twin Roots Supercharger driven by a central gearing along with the camshafts.

The engine, fed by 2 Weber updraft carburetors, was able to produce 180bhp @ 5200rpm, delivered to the rear wheels through a 4-Speed unsynchronized gearbox which could propel the car to a top speed of more than 175km/h. The Lungo chassis had a 3,000mm while the Corto had a 2,799mm wheelbase, which was still longer than 2,718mm of 2900A. The car used drum brakes on all wheels, double Wishbones with Coil Springs over dampers for the front suspension, and Swing axles with Radius arms on transverse semi-elliptical Leaf Springs using hydraulic & friction shock absorbers in the rear.

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Encycaropedia

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Alfa Romeo Proteo: A Visionary Concept That Never Was

The Alfa Romeo Proteo stands as a symbol of what could have been, a groundbreaking concept car that promised to combine innovation, elegance, and high-end engineering. Unveiled at the 1991 Geneva International Motor Show, the Proteo was designed to captivate the imagination of car enthusiasts and demonstrate Alfa Romeo’s ability to push the boundaries of automotive design. Despite its technical brilliance and futuristic features, the Proteo never reached production. However, its legacy endures as a source of inspiration for future models, and its influence can still be seen in several convertible sports cars of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

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Carlo Pinin
Carlo Pinin
3 years ago

would love to see how a modern interpretation could have looked like

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Stefano
Stefano
3 years ago
Reply to  Carlo Pinin

Ever heard of the Touring Aero3 ?

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Mark84
Mark84
3 years ago

Stunning car! A monument on wheels

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Bugatti EB110

In the world of high-performance automobiles, few cars command as much intrigue as the Bugatti EB110. Brought to life by Italian entrepreneur Romano Artioli, the EB110 was a groundbreaking effort to revive the storied Bugatti name. Combining avant-garde engineering, meticulous design, and theatrical presentation, it was a car that set new benchmarks for what a supercar could achieve—both on paper and in practice.

Who Is Romano Artioli?

Romano Artioli is a visionary entrepreneur and car enthusiast who played a pivotal role in the revival of the Bugatti brand. Born in the Province of Mantua, he grew up in Bolzano, where he established himself as a key figure in the luxury and performance automotive world. In the 1980s, he managed the largest Ferrari dealership in the world, expanding his reach into northern and southern Germany.

Artioli’s expertise extended beyond Italian exotics. He entered the business of importing Japanese cars through his company Autexpò, which in 1982 became the first official importer of Suzuki vehicles in Italy. This venture bolstered his business acumen and financial resources, laying the groundwork for larger ambitions.

Bugatti EB110

A passionate admirer of Bugatti, Artioli joined forces with Ferruccio Lamborghini and Paolo Stanzani to resurrect the legendary French marque. Leveraging their credibility and Stanzani’s industrial expertise, Artioli negotiated with the French government, which controlled the Bugatti brand at the time. In 1987, he successfully acquired the rights to Bugatti, forming the Bugatti International holding company, with Jan-Krister Breitfeld as president.

The same year, Artioli and Stanzani co-founded Bugatti Automobili S.p.A., with Stanzani acting as sole administrator and technical director. Initially, Artioli took a backseat, not assuming a direct managerial role until 1990, when he became president of the company. However, deep-seated disagreements over business strategy led to Stanzani’s departure just as the Bugatti EB110 prototypes were nearing completion.

Romano Artioli’s Vision for Bugatti

The Bugatti marque, dormant since the mid-20th century, was revived in 1987 when Artioli acquired the rights. For Artioli, Bugatti was more than a brand; it was an embodiment of perfection and artistry. His vision was to resurrect the marque in a way that honored its legacy while propelling it to the forefront of automotive innovation.

Bugatti EB110

To that end, he established Bugatti Automobili S.p.A. in Campogalliano, Italy, a high-tech facility designed to reflect Bugatti’s meticulous ethos. Even the smallest details of the factory, from its architecture to its branding, were crafted to exude sophistication. Artioli’s pursuit of excellence extended to every facet of the operation, with no expense spared to ensure that the car would become a technological and artistic marvel.

The Bugatti EB110: Designed for Elegance and Performance

The design of the EB110 emerged after several high-profile proposals were reviewed. While initial sketches by Marcello Gandini offered an angular and aggressive aesthetic, Artioli found them inconsistent with Bugatti’s legacy of elegance. Additional proposals were considered, including contributions from Italdesign Giugiaro, Bertone, and Paolo Martin.

Ultimately, the task of finalizing the car’s design fell to Gianpaolo Benedini, who also oversaw the construction of the Campogalliano factory. Benedini reworked Gandini’s initial drafts, softening the harsh lines and introducing a more aerodynamic, timeless shape. The final design balanced modernity with subtle nods to Bugatti’s heritage, including a minimalist interpretation of the iconic horseshoe grille.

Artioli’s design philosophy for the EB110 drew inspiration from the weight-saving principles famously championed by Carrozzeria Touring, applying advanced materials and innovative techniques to achieve unparalleled efficiency and performance.

A Technical Masterpiece

At the heart of the EB110 was a 3.5-liter quad-turbocharged V12 engine, a marvel of engineering that delivered both raw power and remarkable sophistication. The engine, featuring five valves per cylinder (three intake, two exhaust), produced 553 horsepower in the GT model and 603 horsepower in the more aggressive SS variant.

This technological showcase included 12 individual throttle bodies, ensuring razor-sharp response. Engineered to operate at a stratospheric 8,600 RPM redline, the powertrain underscored Bugatti’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what was mechanically possible.

Bugatti EB110

The engine’s advanced systems were paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, allowing precise control over the car’s immense power. To harness this energy, the EB110 employed a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system that delivered 27% of the torque to the front wheels and 73% to the rear. This rear-biased setup provided excellent traction while maintaining the dynamic feel of a rear-wheel-drive sports car.

The EB110’s chassis was equally advanced. Its carbon-fiber monocoque, developed in collaboration with aerospace specialists, was one of the first of its kind in a production car. This construction provided exceptional rigidity while keeping weight to a minimum. The suspension system, with double wishbones at all four corners, ensured precise handling and a planted feel at high speeds.

The car’s aerodynamics were optimized through extensive wind tunnel testing, with active features like a deployable rear spoiler that adjusted based on speed and braking inputs. All of this culminated in a car capable of 0 to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 218 mph, making it one of the fastest cars of its era.

A Spectacular Debut

The launch of the EB110 on September 15, 1991; Ettore Bugatti’s 110th birthday; was a spectacle befitting its ambitious design. The unveiling began in Paris, the birthplace of the original Bugatti marque, where a carefully choreographed celebration honored the brand’s heritage. Over 70 vintage Bugatti cars were displayed in a horseshoe formation, evoking both history and exclusivity. Thousands of guests, including dignitaries, journalists, and celebrities, were treated to an elaborate presentation that emphasized Bugatti’s past and future.

Bugatti EB110
Bugatti EB110
Bugatti EB110

After the Parisian festivities, the EB110 was transported to Molsheim, France, where Ettore Bugatti had established his original factory. There, the car was revealed to the public, symbolizing the brand’s return to its roots.

Artioli spared no effort in making the event memorable. From champagne receptions to grand dinners, the entire celebration reflected the opulence and ambition that defined the EB110 project.

Challenges and Legacy

Despite its technological brilliance, the EB110 faced significant challenges. The global economic recession of the early 1990s reduced demand for ultra-expensive supercars, and Bugatti’s ambitious production targets proved unattainable. Financial pressures mounted, exacerbated by Artioli’s overextension into ventures like the acquisition of Lotus.

Rumors of industrial sabotage and pressure from rival manufacturers added to the drama. Bugatti Automobili declared bankruptcy in 1995, having produced only 139 units of the EB110. The company’s assets, including the Campogalliano factory, were eventually sold.

Yet, the EB110’s legacy endures. It set the stage for modern Bugatti hypercars like the Veyron and Chiron, which adopted its pioneering use of carbon fiber, all-wheel-drive systems, and quad-turbocharged engines. The EB110 is now a highly coveted collector’s car, celebrated for its engineering prowess and historical significance.

Why the Bugatti EB110 Failed

The failure of the Bugatti EB110 was a tragic convergence of bad timing, overambition, and industrial intrigue. Romano Artioli’s vision for Bugatti included not just reviving the brand but also acquiring Lotus, creating a global network of luxury dealerships. While Lotus found modest success, Bugatti faced a rough start, worsened by external and internal challenges.

The EB110 launched in 1991, during a global recession that decimated the exotic car market. Bugatti aimed to sell 150 cars annually, but only 115 were produced over three years. Compounding this was the Black Monday crash in 1987, just as Bugatti Automobili was established, creating economic turbulence that hampered the brand’s revival.

Bugatti EB110

Behind the scenes, Artioli claimed sabotage: suppliers allegedly cut off deliveries under pressure from rivals, and even employees were rumored to have tampered with production. Adding to the turmoil, Suzuki terminated its distributorship deal with Artioli, cutting a critical revenue stream.

Ambitious projects, like the state-of-the-art factory in Campogalliano, drained resources, while Bugatti’s inability to meet supplier payments strained production. Despite a car that dazzled in engineering and design, the company’s collapse was a tale of overreach and misfortune. The EB110 remains a brilliant but brief chapter in Bugatti’s storied history.

A Bold Dream, A Lasting Impact

The Bugatti EB110 was a supercar born of audacity and innovation. Though its production run was short-lived, the EB110 remains a symbol of what is possible when visionaries push the limits of technology and design. Its story, marked by triumph and turbulence, encapsulates the essence of the Bugatti spirit: a relentless pursuit of excellence in the face of overwhelming odds.

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