1931 8C 2300  Corto Zagato
with Monza radiator cowling.

1912_Simplex_50HP_pag5

   Was Vittorio Jano a scientist?  An engineer?  A magician? Did he just crib the transformational Fiat 805 and provide reputation and victory to a little known Milanese car company?
   The 8C proved simply that he was a master.
   He had indeed defined a newly international road car company from the singular components of a Grand Prix car.  Rather than an enthusiast folly, for the passionate few willing to take a beating on the primitive roads of the period, his 6C Alfas’ were well mannered, safe, comfortable and economical. Their Zagato and Carrozzeria Touring bodywork set a standard of automotive styling that belied their competition engineering.
   The 8C reversed all of that within the restrictive economic framework of the world depression. He designed and engineered a road car of such refined potency it became an endurance racer of historic note, and a Grand Prix car of victorious debut.