From the very beginning of the automobile, man built cars to compete with a passion for speed and technology. These early innovators are in an elite club, their place in automotive history guaranteed as the creators of a true classic sports car, a genuine thoroughbred.
The development of the racing sports car can be traced to specific manufacturers, who at one time in history dominated motor racing, in particular, the world’s most challenging road races, such as the Mille Miglia, Targa Florio and endurance contests such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The creation of an automobile that could win in international competition was usually the inspiration of one passionate man, an engineer, a genius who put all of his design and engineering skills toward his goals.
Part one of this pre-war market guide will feature some of these exciting cars, their founders and designers: Bugatti—Ettore Bugatti, and Alfa Romeo—Nicolo Romeo.
Today, these pre-war masterpieces are highly sought after by the sophisticated collector. They and their current owners are often invited to partake in some of the most prestigious historic racing venues world wide—the Le Mans 24 Hour Classic, Mille Miglia Storica, Monaco Historique Grand Prix and the Targa Florio, to name but a few.
Due to the age of these cars and their racing heritage, their value is determined by their originality and provenance. Old cars built up from parts are not the same as true complete survivors. In many cases, this attrition can bring the remaining total down to less than ten good surviving examples of a particular model.
| Make | Model | Level III | Level II | Level I |
| AC | 12/24 | $100,000 | $125,000 | $175,000 |
| 12/40 | $100,000 | $125,000 | $175,000 | |
| Ace 16/56 | $125,000 | $175,000 | $225,000 | |
| Ace 16/66 | $150,000 | $200,000 | $250,000 | |
| Ace 16/80 – 16/90 | $175,000 | $225,000 | $275,000 | |
| Alfa Romeo | RL Targa Florio | $1,000,000 | $1,200,000 | $1,500,000 |
| 6C 1500 SS/SC | $1,000,000 | $1,200,000 | $1,500,000 | |
| 6C 1750 GS/SC Zagato | $1,500,000 | $2,500,000 | $3,000,000 | |
| Tipo B Monoposto P3 | $8,000,000 | $9,000,000 | $11,000,000 | |
| Tipo C Monoposto 8C35 | $6,000,000 | $8,000,000 | $10,000,000 | |
| Tipo 8C 2300 | $6,000,000 | $8,000,000 | $10,000,000 | |
| Tipo 8C 2300 Lungo (Le Mans) | $8,000,000 | $10,000,000 | $12,000,000 | |
| Tipo 8C 2300 Corto (Mille Miglia) | $8,000,000 | $11,000,000 | $13,000,000 | |
| Tipo 8C 2300 Spider Corsa (Monza) | $9,000,000 | $11,000,000 | $14,000,000 | |
| Tipo 8C 2900B Lungo | $14,000,000 | $17,000,000 | $19,000,000 | |
| Tipo 8C 2900B Corto | $14,000,000 | $17,000,000 | $19,000,000 | |
| Alvis | 4-Cyl., FWD | $250,000 | $300,000 | $350,000 |
| Amilcar | 6C | $200,000 | $250,000 | $300,000 |
| Aston Martin | Ulster Mk II | $600,000 | $700,000 | $800,000 |
| Lemans | $700,000 | $800,000 | $900,000 | |
| 2-Liter Speed Model | $400,000 | $500,000 | $600,000 | |
| Bentley | 3-Liter Speed Model | $1,000,000 | $1,300,000 | $1,500,000 |
| Big Six | $2,000,000 | $2,300,000 | $2,500,000 | |
| 4.5-Liter | $2,000,000 | $2,300,000 | $2,500,000 | |
| Speed Six | $5,000,000 | $5,500,000 | $6,500,000 | |
| 4.5-Liter Blower | $6,000,000 | $7,000,000 | $8,000,000 | |
| BMW | 328 | $1,000,000 | $1,200,000 | $1,300,000 |
| Bugatti | Type 35 | $2,000,000 | $2,500,000 | $3,000,000 |
| Type 37A Supercharged | $2,500,000 | $3,000,000 | $3,500,000 | |
| Type 51 | $4,000,000 | $5,000,000 | $5,500,000 | |
| Type 57SC Atalante | $7,500,000 | $8,500,000 | $9,000,000 |
1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider
One of the most elegant and advanced sports cars of the pre-war era. The 8C 2900B Spider with Carrozzeria Touring coachwork was the last of a long line of supercharged Alfa Romeos. Derived from the 8C 2900A, variants of the 2900 were built to compete in the most famous road races including the Le Mans 24 Hours, the Targa Florio and the Mille Miglia. Proving their abilities, they placed 1st and 2nd in the 1938 Mille Miglia.
The car discussed here, the 2900B Lungo Spider, had a Touring open body, considered the most stunning of all the coachbuilt 2900s (some of the other 2900s were bodied by Pininfarina). It is believed that Alfa Romeo produced 32 of the 2900Bs. It was the fastest production sports car of its time. The Vittorio Jano designed inline, 8-cylinder engine with twin overhead camshafts and twin Roots superchargers produced over 200 BHP. Historian Simon Moore coined the phrase, “The immortal 2900.” A true example of Alfa Romeo and Vittorio Jano’s design and engineering excellence, plus an elegant Touring body and a winning race history. This is, perhaps, one of the greatest pre-war cars ever built.
Bugatti Type 35
Ettore Bugatti, a man of Italian education whose automotive training came in Germany, maintained his Bugatti automobile factory in Molsheim, France, from 1910-1939. Arguably one of the most successful Grand Prix cars of all time was his Type 35, which was first produced in 1924 and went through several stages of development cumulating in the 2.3-liter, eight-cylinder, supercharged type 35B. This was an innovative design with dual overhead camshafts, a hollow tubular front axle, hydraulic brakes, the first usage of cast aluminum wheels and the famous horseshoe-shaped radiator. Bugatti manufactured everything himself and in his attempts at perfection, created beauty. The Type 35 won countless races including the Monaco Grand Prix and the Targa Florio.
Criteria Used For Assessing Valuations for this Guide:
- Degree of Originality
- Overall Condition, Restoration
- Technology, Design, Coachbuilder
- Production Numbers/Rarity
- Competition History
- Ownership History, Documentation
- Modern Event Eligibility
Regional Variances
The prices stated in this guide are based on U.S. values. The values of historic racing cars can vary as much as 25%-35% in other countries, depending on local market appeal, currency rates, import duties, and VAT. Most of the time, we are able to document known sales or closed escrows, as they say in real estate. When this is not possible, a logical estimate of the car’s value is given, based on its sales history and relationship to cars of its type.
The prices stated in this guide are based on U.S. values. The values of historic racing cars can vary as much as 25%-35% in other countries, depending on local market appeal, currency rates, import duties, and VAT.
LEVEL | VALUATION CATEGORIES |
|---|---|
I | The best combination of all criteria. |
II | Satisfies mid-range of criteria. |
III | In need of restoration. Meets only a few points of criteria |
