Alfa Romeo have confirmed they will be producing the gorgeous 8C Competizione in limited numbers and to impress likely purchasers will have the V8-powered coupe at the 2006 Paris Motor Show later this month.

The car was launched as a concept in 2003 at the 60th Frankfurt International Motor Show. Powered by a version of the 4.2 litre Maserati V8 (assembled at the Ferrari factory in Maranello), the two-seater coupe is designed to recapture some of the glamour for the company of the pre- and immmediately post-war periods.

It is fitted with the familiar rear-mounted 6-speed sequential transaxle actuated by steering-wheel mounted paddles.

Top speed is likely to be above 300 km/h. Reports in the Italian press suggest a price in the region of 100,000 EURO, that's around £70,000 - or $130,000 if the decision is made to sell in the USA. Alfa Romeo is now grouped with Maserati in the FIAT empire, leaving Ferrari acting as a completely seperate enterprise but obviously sharing group technology resources.

Text: Classic Driver
Photos: Alfa Romeo