Not content with restomodding the Ferrari Testarossa Switzerland’s Officine Fioravanti has now turned its attention to two other Italian icons: the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione and the Ferrari BB512 Berlinetta Boxer.
The 8C was, and to many people still is, the ultimate Alfa Romeo. It’s “the most beautiful car ever made,” according to Jeremy Clarkson, with its flowing composite bodywork inspired by Scaglione’s original 33 Stradale, transposed into a front-engined coupe format. It was a who’s who of Italian automotive expertise, built by Maserati, on a chassis designed by the race aces at Dallara, with brakes from Brembo, seats from Sparco, and a 4.7-litre 450 bhp V8 from Ferrari.
The 500 examples assembled were sold immediately, but were not without their flaws. Chiefly the six-speed robotised manual transaxle gearbox was rather lacking in finesse. That’s the first fix Officine Fioravanti has put in place, swapping it for a stunning open-gated manual transmission and three aluminium pedals. The electronics have been updated, there’s electronically controlled and adjustable Öhlins suspension, carbon-ceramic brakes, and new FIA-approved carbon fibre seats which are said to improve the driving position. Even with a glorious tan leather-clad interior the modifications result in a “significant” weight saving.
“It’s time to bring out all the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione from the garages where they have been resting for years, to enjoy their lines, their chassis, and their inimitable sound,” announces the company.
For the 512BB Officine Fioravanti has focused on improving day-to-day driveability by replacing the ignition and fuel system of the famous five-litre flat-12. Hidden within an exact replica of the original carburetors is a modern engine control system, but the firm has left the rest of the car alone, and stresses that the changes are easily reversed.
“These modifications allow the 512BB to keep its iconic style, appearance, and soul, while also making it extremely more reliable, comfortable for everyday use or long journeys, safe, and high-performing,” says the Swiss specialist.
The treatment obviously won’t appeal to those who value originality above all else, but for enthusiasts who actually want to drive these incredible Italians then these mods could make all the difference between their cars sitting in the garage and hitting the open road.
