Breaking cover in concept guise at the 2003 Frankfurt Auto Show, the 8C Competizione represented a watershed moment for Alfa Romeo.

The marque’s intended return to the sports car market was met with instant fanfare from the general public and automotive press alike, and a production version was announced three years later at the Paris Motor Show.

With voluptuous bodywork made entirely of carbon fibre sitting atop a space-frame chassis, its engineering was on a par with its stunning looks.

Power came from a Ferrari- and Maserati-derived 4.7-litre V-8, producing 444 brake-horsepower.

Production was limited to 500 examples, leaving order books well over-subscribed.

The example offered here was built in the attractive shade of Rosso Alfa, complemented by a black leather interior.

The Alfa Romeo was delivered new to its first owner in Altach, Austria, on 4 April 2008.

From then its accompanying service book notes routine servicing at a Maserati-specialist garage in Rankweil, while it...