cinematic realism 1930s Cars in Period Settings Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 - Mille Miglia Race, Dawn A blood-red Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza hurtles through an Italian village as dawn breaks over the Mille Miglia race. Bundled villagers line ancient stone walls to glimpse the thundering machines streaking through their normally quiet streets. The driver hunches behind the minimal windscreen, goggles protecting against debris thrown up by the supercharged straight-eight engine's fearsome power. His mechanic-navigator clutches a leather-bound route book, prepared for the thousand-mile test of man and machine circling northern Italy. Mist still clings to vineyards beyond the village where farmers pause their early work to witness automotive gladiators whose exploits will become local legend. The Alfa's unmistakable grille rushes past medieval church steps where the priest blesses himself – both prayer for safety and acknowledgment of blasphemous speed. Tricolor flags flutter from balconies as Italy celebrates technological prowess through competition, the Alfa's distinctive engine note echoing off buildings long after the car disappears.