A 1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider by Touring is predicted to sell for up to $25 million when it crosses the auction block later this month in Monterey.

At the time of its launch, the 8C 2900 was considered as the most advanced sports car money could buy, offering up a driving experience unmatched by the likes of the Mercedes-Benz 540K and the various Duesenbergs of the time.

The history of this particular 8C Spider is quite mixed. For starters, there is no record of the car from its production in 1939 through to 1949 when the car was imported into Brazil from Italy. When driven by racer Mario Tavares at Interlagos, the car claimed victory in the sports car class on July 31 1949.

It is reported that in the next few decades, the car was heavily modified and had its chassis shortened and a Corvette engine fitted. In late 1972, the vehicle’s chassis made its way to Europe and was not restored to its current form until the late 1990’s before the car was delivered to the United States.

It debuted publically at the 1999 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance where it was awarded 2nd in class.

PHOTO GALLERY