A New Look for a Legend: Alfa Romeo 8C DoppiaCoda by Zagato

Elegant Provocation - On the shores of Lake Como, where elegance meets horsepower and tradition intertwines with innovation, automotive enthusiasts gathered to witness a spectacle that only Italy could deliver. Amid vintage marvels and modern masterpieces at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, one particular creation quietly stole the spotlight—a strikingly reimagined Alfa Romeo 8C that bore the unmistakable signature of Zagato.

The Alfa Romeo 8C DoppiaCoda is a striking reimagining of the 8C, bearing Zagato’s unmistakable signature, which made its debut at the 2025 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. (Picture from: ObscureSupercar on X)

Zagato, the legendary Milanese coachbuilder known for blending design flair with aerodynamic brilliance, unveiled its latest work of art: the Alfa Romeo 8C DoppiaCoda by Zagato. This wasn’t just another restyling exercise. It was a bold reinterpretation of one of the most beloved supercars of the modern era, tailored with such finesse that even the most purist fans had to stop and stare.

Zagato’s Alfa Romeo 8C DoppiaCoda is based on the iconic 2006 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, originally sculpted by Alfa Romeo’s Centro Stile and brought to life in the late 2000s, has always been a beacon of Italian performance wrapped in curvaceous beauty. With its Ferrari-derived V8 and jaw-dropping silhouette, it carved a special place in automotive history. Zagato, however, has never shied away from challenging beauty with its own vision—and with the DoppiaCoda, it dared to do so again.

The Alfa Romeo 8C DoppiaCoda (Double Tail) was a Zagato's special project commissioned by a wealthy Italian collector. Its name refers to the fusion of a Kammback design with rounded rear wings. (Picture from: TopGear)

Named after its distinctive “Double Tail,” the DoppiaCoda brings a dramatic twist to the familiar 8C form. Drawing on the aerodynamic principles of the Kammback design—developed by German engineer Wunibald Kamm in the 1930s—Zagato introduced a rear end that merges a cut-off tail with rounded wings, creating a profile that’s both functional and sculptural. This thoughtful design not only pays homage to motorsport heritage but also adds an unmistakable Zagato identity to the car.

The Alfa Romeo 8C DoppiaCoda features Zagato’s signature double-bubble roof and showcases refined proportions inspired by past projects like the Alpine A110-based long-tail, especially evident in the sculpted tail section. (Picture from: TopGear)

The rear isn’t the only area to receive a makeover. In true Zagato fashion, the DoppiaCoda sports the iconic double-bubble roof—a visual hallmark that also subtly enhances aerodynamics. Lessons learned from past projects, like the Alpine A110-based long-tail concept, are evident in the careful reworking of proportions and detailing, especially around the tail section.

The Alfa Romeo 8C DoppiaCoda Zagato retains the original 8C’s glorious 4.7-liter naturally aspirated V8, delivering 444 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. (Picture from: id.Motor1)

Despite the radical redesign, the heart of the beast likely remains untouched. Although technical details weren’t officially released, it’s expected that the DoppiaCoda retains the glorious 4.7-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine that powers the original 8C. With 444 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque delivered through a rear-wheel-drive setup and a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, the original powertrain offers thrilling performance, launching the car from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.2 seconds and topping out at 181 mph.

The Alfa Romeo 8C DoppiaCoda Zagato brings a dramatic twist to the familiar 8C form by applying Kammback aerodynamic principles to its rear end, honoring motorsport heritage while imbuing the car with a distinct Zagato identity. (Picture from: id.Motor1)

This isn’t Zagato’s first encounter with the Alfa Romeo 8C either. Back in 2010, it presented the TZ3 Corsa at the very same event—a car that also flirted with Kammback styling, though with a more aggressive, almost “breadvan” execution. That car was a one-off for a German collector; this new DoppiaCoda, however, feels like a love letter to Italian craftsmanship—commissioned by a passionate collector who sought more than just rarity: they sought artistry.

The Alfa Romeo 8C DoppiaCoda Zagato brings a dramatic twist to the familiar 8C form by applying Kammback aerodynamic principles to a rear end that merges a cut-off tail with rounded wings, resulting in a profile that’s both functional and sculptural. (Picture from: CarMag.co.za)

While comparisons will naturally arise between the original 8C and Zagato’s reinterpretation, perhaps that’s beside the point. The DoppiaCoda isn’t trying to outdo the original—it’s celebrating it. It’s Zagato doing what it does best: adding a unique layer of character, turning a modern classic into a sculptural, moving statement.

In a world where many cars chase trends and algorithms, the Alfa Romeo 8C DoppiaCoda stands as a reminder of what happens when design dares to dream. It’s not just a car—it’s a conversation between heritage and vision, between the soul of Alfa Romeo and the daring hands of Zagato. And on that lakeside stage in Italy, it wasn’t just seen. It was remembered. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OBSCURESUPERCAR ON X | CARMAG | AUTOBLOG | TOPGEAR | ID.MOTOR1 ]

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