8C Competizione at 20: The enduring power of nostalgia

First unveiled in prototype form at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, the 8C Competizione’s influence over recent Alfa Romeo history is inversely proportional to its minuscule production numbers. Here’s why…

Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione (picture from media.stellantis.com)

Following years of speculation, Alfa Romeo’s new limited-edition supercar is finally set to break cover on August 30.

Details about the project are scarce at the time of writing. Still, the storied Italian brand’s CEO stated he wants something that could take pride of place alongside the 8C Competizione in Alfa Romeo’s stunning historical museum near Milan.

The Alfa Romeo Museum (picture from media.stellantis.com)

So expectations are very high indeed.

First unveiled in prototype form at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, the 8C Competizione came at a time when Alfa Romeo needed all the good press it could get.

That’s because the brand’s future was far from secure despite the critical acclaim and record sales numbers earned by the 156 and 147 on the European market.