1934 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Pilots: L. Chinetti, P. Etancelin Team: Luigi Chinetti / Philippe Etancelin Race: 1st overall (S 2.3 class) at Le Mans in 1934 Ixo - LM 1934 (diecast)
Published 08/13/18
Chassis #2311249 was one of the last 8C 2300s that Alfa Romeo produced. Though it had a short wheel base (Monza version), it received a four-seater Mille Miglia body by Carrozzeria Brianza of Turin. In the 1934 edition of the 24 Heures du Mans there were three other Alfa 8C 2300s, but only #9 here finished the race. And in reality, it almost didn’t finish either, in typical Le Mans fashion. Most of the opposition was out of the race, and by Saturday night #9 was in the lead. However, at Le Mans, when things seem to look too good, it’s because something is about to happen. Just when the race appeared to be in the bag, a ruptured fuel line spells disaster. Undaunted, Chinetti ordered everyone in the pits to chew bubble gum, to plug the hole 😅.
With chewing gum plugging the fuel line, thus 2300 #9 managed to limp all the way to the checkered flag. It was the 8C 2300’s fourth consecutive and final victory at La Sarthe. So we have a car that raced at Le Mans using chewing gum as a fix? And it came in first place overall?!? OF COURSE I had to have it. I know that old clunkers is not everyone’s cup of coffee, but look at the car’s history. Maybe “just” a clunker, but you just don’t get that kind of story from modern racers.
In 1:43 the 2300 #9 is as nice as my 1932 8C winner, but without the huge pontoons. And in French blue (the team was French). In the end you got another simple & honest Ixo, with a fantastic value for the money.