Selling the Crown Jewels
‘So rare it’s practically a Unicorn on Wheels.’
In July 2022, during a routine transfer to a restoration facility in Maine, a stunning 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 Lungo Spider—one of only a few in existence and valued at an estimated $23 million
It was fearlessly stolen!
The car, secured inside a trailer attached to a Ford F-350 pickup truck, was parked in a hotel car park in Latta, South Carolina.
The vehicle and trailer vanished, setting the stage for a heist that sent shockwaves through the classic car world.
Following the theft, the owner reported it swiftly, prompting an insurance payout from AIG, which took ownership of the car as part of the settlement.
Despite the public offer of a $50,000 reward for information leading to the vehicle’s recovery, initial clues were still being determined.
Leaving both car enthusiasts and the insurance company wondering if they’d ever see this piece of automotive history again.
In December 2023, following a prolonged investigation, the FBI successfully tracked down the stolen Alfa Romeo in a North Carolina warehouse.
The Alfa was stored with several other stolen vehicles.
Luckily, the car only had minor cosmetic damage, much to the relief of classic car aficionados worldwide.
In August 2024, the recovered and carefully prepared Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 was showcased at the prestigious August 2024 Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auctions.
Although Gooding didn’t disclose it, it was clear that the car’s mystique and legacy had only grown in value.
‘An Alfa 8C 2900 can’t simply be flipped at a chop shop; it’s like trying to sell the crown jewels on eBay.’