The Alfa Romeo 8C Spider received a positively rapturous reception when it was shown to a privileged South African audience at the Alfa Romeo Day held at Kyalami this past Sunday.

This first post-Geneva public outing for the 8C Spider was most appropriate as it marked the 98th birthday of the marque and to celebrate this historic happening, the Italian automaker pulled out all the stops.

Visitors were treated to a feast of Milanese machinery. On display in the ‘brand tunnel’ was a star-studded cast of 18 classic Alfa Romeos dating from the 1950s to the 1990s, including a specimen driven by J.F. Kennedy.

There were also more than 40 classic Alfas that participated in two Trofeo races around Kyalami. The current range of cars, were resplendent in ‘Rosso’ Red but the show stopper was the 8C Spider in a shimmery pearl white hue. Although the 8C won’t be available locally it hints at the company's line-up of the future.

The big event of the day, however, was when 240 Alfa Romeos of all shapes, sizes and ages took to the track in a parade lap in an attempt to set a Guinness record for the largest gathering of Alfa Romeos. Although the previous record was 200 cars, the South African attempt must still be ratified by Guinness. And, while on the subject of statistics, there was a record attendance of 6966 visitors (excluding staff, Trofeo racing personnel and exhibitors), while 2322 cars passed through the gates.

Managing Director of Fiat Group Automobiles South Africa, Giorgio Gorelli, said: “I’m humbled by the unbridled passion that South Africans have for this brand. The parade of more than 200 proud Alfa Romeo owners on the track was a sight to behold.”