After Alfa Romeo had stunned the world with the 8C Competizione, it was only a matter of time before a soft-top version was made. The Italian marque teased a roadster concept at the 2005 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and three years later the Geneva International Motor Show played host to the launch of the production version, of which only 329 were manufactured. Aside from the electrically operated fabric roof, the Spider featured revised suspension geometry and carbon ceramic brakes to differentiate it from its coupé sister model.

Wolfgang Egger of the Alfa Romeo Style Center penned the 8C with absolute beauty and power in mind. The distinctive design offered a glimpse into the marque’s future design language while paying homage to vaunted Alfa Romeos of the past. With classic proportions, inspiration clearly derived from such post-war greats as the 33 Stradale and Giulia TZ. The 8C’s unmistakable grille and badge, accentuated by a cluster of bi-xenon headlights, finish off one of the most gorgeous Alfa Romeos ever produced.

Complementing the stunning design is exceptional performance. The 8C is powered by a naturally aspirated, 4.7-litre V-8 engine producing 444 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 354 pounds-feet of torque at 4,750 rpm. The engine is mated to the “Superfast” computer-controlled, paddle shifted, six-speed automated manual transaxle with a twin-disc clutch. The transmission is placed in the rear for better weight distribution and handling, which is further improved by the front and rear dual-wishbone suspension setup.

The example offered here is numbered “247” out of Alfa Romeo’s intended production run of 500 units, and was delivered new to The Sportiva Collection in July 2010. Finished in Grigio Magnesio with a black soft-top roof and red leather interior, the 8C Spider has been used sparingly by its consigning owner, with only 6,294 kilometres on its odometer at the time of cataloguing. It was optioned with the rare five-spoke alloy racing wheels, painted Quadrofoglio emblems on the front wings, as well as painted brake callipers. The cabriolet is offered for sale with its Alfa Romeo books and manuals, selected branded leather bags as provided new, and a car cover.

This attractive 8C Spider is sure to attract the attention of countless Alfa Romeo enthusiasts, from those seeking a nearly new sports car to preserve as it is, or to enjoy regularly in the true spirit of the famous Italian marque’s greatest cars.