Alfa Romeo stunned the crowd at Frankfurt’s 2003 Motor Show with the 8C Competizione coupe concept, following it up with an open-top concept at the 2005 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Far more than beautiful, limited-edition playthings, these cars boldly announced Alfa Romeo’s intention to again produce compelling sports cars after a stretch of relatively pedestrian offerings.

The 8C duo also paid homage to the great Alfa Romeos of the past, including, as the Competizione’s name suggested, the glorious competition cars of the Mille Miglia.

Perhaps most important, these models heralded Alfa Romeo’s return to the United States after an absence of more than a decade.

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 ...