The first example of just 41 Alfa 8C Competizione supercars destined for the UK, arrived here last week.

The ultra-rare £138,500 hand-built Italian sportscar was collected by award-winning Manchester-based architect, Ian Simpson, from Alfa’s largest and longest established dealership, Mangoletsi, in Knutsford, Cheshire.

Visually arresting from every angle, the Alfa 8C Competizione looks every inch a supercar, with performance credentials to match. Under the bonnet a responsive 4.7litre V8 engine produces an awesome 450bhp. Channelled through a sophisticated 6-speed F1-style paddle shift gearbox to the rear wheels, the Alfa 8C Competizione produces enough power to launch its occupants from 0-62mph in just 4.2 seconds, and on to a top speed of 181mph.

Ian Simpson, who registered his interest in the Italian thoroughbred when the vehicle was first unveiled as a concept at the Geneva Motor Show in 2003, commented: “This car is truly worth the wait. It’s everything a supercar should be. It’s unmistakably beautiful, it has a distinct engine note and the high performance credentials place it firmly alongside the most exotic cars on the planet. I am delighted and proud to be the first customer in the country to experience this incredible car.”