The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione and the convertible 8C Spider were much more than stunning, limited-edition playthings for the fortunate few: Emerging just after the turn of the 21st century, these cars boldly announced Alfa Romeo’s intention to again produce compelling sports cars after a stretch of building relatively quotidian sedans and hatchbacks. The 8C duo also paid homage to the great Alfa Romeos of the pre- and post-war eras—including, as the Competizione’s name suggested, the glorious competition cars. Finally, these models heralded Alfa Romeo’s return to the United States market after an absence of over a decade.

The 8C debuted as a coupe concept at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, with the open-top concept unveiled at the 2005 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The Alfa Romeo faithful were thrilled when production of both variants was confirmed just a few years later, with the 8C Competizione and 8C Spider arriving for the 2007 and 2008 model years, respectively.

To create these cars, Wolfgang Egger of the Alfa Romeo Style Center designed the 8C with absolute beauty and power in mind. The distinctive design remains forward-thinking and offers a glimpse into the design language of the marque’s future while recalling the Alfa Romeos of the past; classic touches include both the 8C’s overall proportions as well as carefully considered details, with inspiration 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.

The Alfa Romeo’s attractive looks are further enhanced by its exceptional performance. The 8C is powered by a Ferrari/Maserati–derived all-aluminum 4.7-liter V-8 engine that produces 444 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 354 pound-feet of torque at 4,750 rpm. The engine is mated to the same transmission used in the Ferrari 599 Fiorano and known as the “Superfast” gearbox, a computer-controlled six-speed manual transaxle with a twin-disc clutch. The transmission is placed in the rear for better handling, which is further improved by a front and rear dual-wishbone suspension setup.

Although demand for the 8C was strong, supply was limited to just 1,000 units worldwide: 500 examples of the Competizione coupe, and a further 500 of the 8C Spider. A mere 35 8C Spiders were allotted to the United States market, and each example quickly found a home—even with a suggested retail price starting at a formidable $299,000.

Acquired new by Oscar Davis, this 2009 8C Spider is finished in the wonderful, optional metallic color Rosso 8C; this is paired with red leather sport seats and ample carbon fiber cabin detailing, along with a black convertible top. As indicated by its window sticker, additional specifications include Dark Silver 20-inch wheels, behind which sit aluminum-colored calipers for the carbon ceramic brakes. Completing the picture, the storied Quadrifoglio badge adorns the front fenders, serving as an eye-catching nod to Alfa Romeo’s sporting heritage. Under Davis’ stewardship, the 8C Spider enjoyed only limited use, with its odometer displaying just 3,733 miles at time of cataloguing.

Within the Oscar Davis Collection, this 8C Spider has sat proudly alongside exceptional automobiles from Alfa Romeo’s golden era—just as its creators intended. Whether in coupe or convertible form, the 8C is considered an essential modern-day addition to the stable of any dedicated enthusiast of the hallowed Milanese marque; when searching for an example to make one’s own, one could scarcely do better than to acquire this beautiful, little-used, single-owner 8C Spider.