8C In Los Angeles

[italcarguy]

So today there was an 8C at the local Sunday coffee/car show deal. It was nice to see something new with an Alfa badge on it, but something about it just didn't click with me. I do think it does look better in person, but it doesn't make me wanna jump in it and take it for a spin. I'd rather just look at it for a little bit. I think what doesn't sit well with me is that it looks too much like our Maserati Coupe GT and it sounds just like it. The owner opened the hood and I thought I was looking at a Maserati motor but a cheap plastic cover and tacky Alfa emblem over the awesome intake plenum reminded me I wasn't. I keep looking at the pictures I took and just can't get excited about the car. Kinda sucks that I feel this way about the car because I'm all about Alfa's. Maybe I should drive one or will it feel just like the Maserati too?

[CT1]

I see it has a disabled parking badge hanging in it, did it have adapted controls by any chance ?

[PSk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by italcarguy So today there was an 8C at the local Sunday coffee/car show deal. It was nice to see something new with an Alfa badge on it, but something about it just didn't click with me. I do think it does look better in person, but it doesn't make me wanna jump in it and take it for a spin. I'd rather just look at it for a little bit.

[dretceterini]

The car is supposeed to be conected to the 6c2500 Competitzione (1948-49) and the 6c3000 C50 in the sense of Alfa hertitage. Those cars were kind of non-descript looking too. I can't see any real reason why it should be that more expensive than the Maserati..

[Pat Braden]

As much as I dislike the extra upkeep of a black car, I much prefer this to the red ones I've seen. But in the black it reminds me a lot of a swoopy, expensive "Batmobile." Still very likeable. If it drives like a Maserati, it might be cheaper to buy a Maserati.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CT1 I see it has a disabled parking badge hanging in it, did it have adapted controls by any chance?

[Il Vecchio]

Anthony, I'm curious as to the owner- not his/her identity, but was he/she someone who know about Alfa's heritage and gave a whit about it, or were they just someone with the latest flavor of the month?

[italcarguy]

Actually someone who bought it to resell. It belongs to one of the local dealers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Il Vecchio Anthony, I'm curious as to the owner- not his/her identity, but was he/she someone who know about Alfa's heritage and gave a whit about it, or were they just someone with the latest flavor of the month?

[Norm]

I believe there are sufficent differences between the 8C and the maser as to make the alfa distictive, and prefered over the other, even newer maser.

50 more hp, lighter weight (by 600 lbs), shorter wheelbase. Alfa got the dry sump and lower CG,
pulls over 1g sideways, is at least a second faster in both the 1/4 mile and 0-60.

For me the styling is distinctive, true to Alfa's heritage. And batmobile. Good or bad, one feels strongly about it. I like.

[PSk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norm ...pulls over 1g sideways ...

[Norm]

And the type 33 stradales wouldn't sell at cost when they were new, in the few selected showrooms.
How many people are kicking themselves for choosing the cheaper Ferrari? Not many could afford either, the difference between 8k and 12k dollars was the cost of a small house.

I think a better comparison to the recent Zagato's, is the limited number, and how well they have held thier value, particulary in the context of thier mixed reception. I'd be curious.

But back to the point, the maser probably doesn't handle over 1G of lateral load. Probably could,
but another difference.

The maser is becoming in reach for many people, is actually available. Would that I could, but i'd tell everyone how much like an Alfa it was.

[Alfajay]

Dunno if anyone else picked up on this, but a photo of the quarter million $ Alfa under a Wachovia Bank sign strikes me as pretty ironic - Wachovia is one of the banks that have gone under in the current mortgage mess.

I wish the dealer all the best in flipping his 8C - evidently he's handicapped and probably needs the money to buy a new set of crutches - but his timing (like Alfa's) could have been a bit better. Multi-hundred thousand dollar cars may not be the most popular toy under the Christmas tree this year.

Perhaps part of Anthony's concern about the car's visuals is that the 8C doesn't look all that great in black. I've never seen one in the "flesh", but the magazine photos of red or silver cars have somehow looked better. To my eye, this black model looks like something Batman & Robin are about to jump into.

[Bill]

I love the wheels.
I louve the wheels.
I loaf the wheels.
I loofe the wheels.
I luffa the wheels.
I want the wheels.

I need the wheels...in 14"

Do we have a comparrison of the size of the 8c to lets say a '73 GTV?
(Wheelbase, tread, track, weight, height etc...)

[Zunige]

The 8C will remain a special car, and one can already see familiar factors that surround cars that retain a special place in the automobile world. First, it was a hit as a prototype, and the production version retained the essence of the original design. Thus, from an aesthetic point of view, it has been well received. The debate about the Maserati underpinnings notwithstanding, reviewers do agree that it is a performer. This may or may not be everyone's idea of what Alfa should or should not have done, but cars with Pininfarina lines that are not likely to go out of style, with performance to match, are always sought after by collectors and most enthusiasts. (Collectors, nonetheless, are savvy people, and are not about to open their wallets without looking at all factors that influence a car's price. Financial times, and the exclusivity of being the first owner do make a difference.)

As someone who is biased towards black Alfas, I am also aware that it is by far not a color that appeals to many... I have seen two red 8Cs in the flesh. To me, they look much better than in pictures. I know there are three different options for interiors, but the ones I've seen looked absolutely beautiful. The look and feel was classic Alfa, with materials that looked first-rate. The engine bay, to me, simply looked like all modern engine bays. Not necessarily my idea of a supercar's engine bay, but it is up to par with what is done today.

Best regards,

[Norm]

Well said, Zunige. I would clarify one thing, that while it's heritage is clear in it lines, it does have a "Centro Style" badge on the side.

dimensions... i've been comparing it to mortimer (berlina) top of my head, a few inches longer in wheelbase and overall length, about a foot wider. 1000 lbs heavier.

As far as value, Napolis seems to think it's crazy to offer more than list price. I think list price is the benchmark to be used, but i would be surprised if many change hands for that, so shortly after delivery.

I think list price is probably more than we think, and that there is already data from europe about what happens to prices after they've been around a few months.

[Zunige]

Thanks, Norm... I have noted your Centro Stile correction...

I think Napolis is absolutely correct in thinking that it is crazy to pay above list price. Collectible cars typically go through a period of devaluation before they climb back up again, and this is always accelerated in times of soft financial markets. Obviously a dealership that ordered a car to drive for a few miles, and then sell has done nothing to enhance its value. On the contrary, I think their enjoyment comes at a price, as it turns the car into a two-owner example. While they could have gotten away with it in a strong economy, I doubt they will be able to hold on to the car for too long in a soft market. I also think it is unethical to do what your customers cannot. Private individuals are not allowed to flip their 8Cs, or at least, they have signed papers to that effect. When there weren't any re-sale restrictions on exclusive cars, the result was a free for all, which did nothing for the marque, except tarnish the image, exclusivity and prestige of owning the coveted edition.

Best regards,