Name: Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione
Debut: 2007
Engine: 4.7-litre V8
Specs: 444 bhp / 354 pound-feet
Price: €159,000 (approx. £109,000)

Today we know Alfa Romeo as a mainstream, luxury manufacturer responsible for cars like the Giulia sedan and Stelvio crossover. But 13 years ago, the company returned to the U.S. following a notable 22-year absence with a stunning, limited-production coupe known as the 8C Competizione.

Worth The Wait

The first 8C debuted as a concept in 2003. But the final production model didn't show up in Europe until 2007. Limited to just 500 units worldwide, the production 8C barely strayed from the concept that debuted four years prior. It still had the same shapely body lines, dramatic triangular grille, and rounded taillights. Only, the road-going 8C bore new wheels, updated Xenon headlights, and a rear-hinged bonnet.

Hiding under the rear-hinged bonnet was a Ferrari-sourced 4.7-litre V8 good for 444 bhp (331 kilowatts) and 354 pound-feet (480 Newton-metres) of torque. With its standard six-speed transaxle gearbox, the 8C Competizione could sprint to 62 miles per hour (100 kilometres per hour) in just 4.2 seconds, and on to an official top speed of 181 mph (292 kmh).

But there was one slight problem: the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione was exceptionally pricey. The coupe started at €159,000 (approx. £109,000 at that time) when new. And it only offered two standard colours, red or black. Buyers interested in additional hues would have to pay extra. Notable public figures like Dutch Prince Bernhard Lucas Emmanuel and the late Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne both owned one.

Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione
Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione
Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

Top-Down Thrills

Following the success of the 8C coupe in 2007, Alfa Romeo released a convertible version just a year later. Like the coupe, the company limited production of the 8C Spider to just 500 units – and just 40 made their way to the UK. But unlike its hardtop sibling, the droptop 8C offered a "slightly" more expensive price tag. The convertible sports car started at – wait for it – €199,000 (£174,000) in Europe. Pocket change, really.

Of course, the 8C Convertible used the same 4.7-litre V8 from the coupe good for 444 bhp and 354 lb-ft. Only now with the removable roof, the car's top speed dropped from 181 mph to 180 mph (289 kmh). A small price to pay for such a stunning droptop.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione: Supercar Revisited