THE 8C 2300 Many fine automobiles have been compared over the years to Swiss watches in the jewel-like precision and complication of their mechanical works.

The comparison is seldom more apt than when made to Alfa Romeo’s 8C 2300 of 1931.

Victorious in Grands Prix, at Le Mans four years in succession, and in no less than seven editions of the Mille Miglia, its competition credentials are beyond reproach.

Yet its racing exploits only tell part of the 8C story.

The chassis, available in both long chassis (Lungo) and short chassis (Corto) form, underpinned some of the finest and most elegant touring cars of its day, featuring timeless coachwork from contemporary carrozzerie including Zagato, Touring, Castagna, and Brianza.

Under the car’s long snout was tucked an engine comprised of two four-cylinder blocks, end to end, with twin overhead camshafts and hemispherical combustion chambers.

The 10-main-bearing crankshaft was split in the middle, with a pair of gears at its heart that dr...