BACK AGAIN FOR MORE
Octane|250 - April 2024
This Le Mans-winning Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Zagato Spider appeared in the very first issue of Octane. More than 20 years on, Robert Coucher acquaints himself and finally gets behind the wheel 
Robert Coucher
BACK AGAIN FOR MORE

The legendary Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 is regarded by drivers, collectors, engineers, historians and enthusiasts as being one of the best sports cars of all time. Created by great Ingegnere Vittorio Jano, the Alfa's superb chassis was clothed by the leading carrozzerie of the 1930s, including Zagato, Figoni, Touring, Pinin Farina and Castagna. Around 188 were produced, about half that number with the Corto (short) chassis, and the rest in Lungo form. This Corto example, with lean Zagato Spider coachwork in the Alfa Romeo racing house colours, looks sublime. But it's a whole lot more than just good looks.

Vittorio Jano was one of the brains behind Fiat's racing success before moving to Alfa Romeo in 1923. He was responsible for the Alfa Grand Prix cars from 1924 until 1937, including the straight-eight-powered P2 in 1924 (which won the World Championship in 1925), the Tipo B (also known as the P3), the 8C 35 and the 12C 36. He later went on to design Lancia's Aurelia, its D23/24 sports racers and the D50 Grand Prix car. And just to keep himself busy while at Alfa Romeo, Jano created a succession of touring and sports cars alongside his racing machines, culminating in the 8C with its supercharged, twin-cam straight-eight, the competition versions of which dominated motorsport.

Bu hikaye Octane dergisinin 250 - April 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Octane dergisinin 250 - April 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

OCTANE DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Will China Change Everything? - China is tearing up modern motor manufacture but is yet to make more than a ripple in the classic car world. That could be about to change dramatically
Octane

Will China Change Everything? - China is tearing up modern motor manufacture but is yet to make more than a ripple in the classic car world. That could be about to change dramatically

China now dominates the automotive world in a way even Detroit in its heyday would have struggled to comprehend.Helped by Government incentives, the new car world is dominated by China's industries: whether full cars that undercut Western models by huge amounts, ownership of storied European brands such as Lotus and Volvo, or ownership and access to the vast majority of raw materials that go into EV cars, its influence is far-reaching and deep. However, this automotive enlightenment hasn't manifested itself in the classic world in any meaningful way - until now.

time-read
5 dak  |
September 2024
Jem Marsh
Octane

Jem Marsh

The hard-bitten Marcos boss was driven like few others and never knew when he was beaten. Thankfully

time-read
3 dak  |
October 2024
Vandamm House
Octane

Vandamm House

A Mid-Century Modernist masterpiece that was immortalised on celluloid - despite never actually existing

time-read
3 dak  |
October 2024
Making light
Octane

Making light

Alfa Romeo's post-war renaissance began with the 1900 saloon - and matured with Zagato's featherweight coupé version, as Jay Harvey discovers

time-read
7 dak  |
October 2024
FULL OF EASTERN PROMISE
Octane

FULL OF EASTERN PROMISE

Is burgeoning classic car interest in the Middle East good for the global classic market? Nathan Chadwick investigates

time-read
5 dak  |
October 2024
Before the beginning
Octane

Before the beginning

This rare Amazon Green pre-production Range Rover is Velar chassis number 4. James Elliott charts its historically revealing factory restoration

time-read
9 dak  |
October 2024
Ben Cussons
Octane

Ben Cussons

As the outgoing chairman of the Royal Automobile Club hands on to his successor, Robert Coucher quizzes him about the evolution of this great British institution

time-read
7 dak  |
October 2024
BULLDOG & THE PUPPIES
Octane

BULLDOG & THE PUPPIES

We gather five motoring masterpieces by avant-garde designer William Towns - and drive all of them

time-read
10+ dak  |
October 2024
Below the tip of the Audrain iceberg
Octane

Below the tip of the Audrain iceberg

As the Audrain organisation grows, we take a look behind the scenes at the huge car collection that feeds it

time-read
5 dak  |
October 2024
Flying the Scottish flag
Octane

Flying the Scottish flag

Young Ecurie Ecosse driver Chloe Grant gets to grips with the Ecurie Ecosse Jaguar C-type at Goodwood. Matthew Hayward is Octane's witness

time-read
7 dak  |
October 2024