Alfa Romeo’s super exclusive 8C Competizione is one of the rarest new cars on the road. With only 500 units slated to be built, the new super Alfa was suppose to mark the brands return to the U.S. market in 2009. But with the way things are going in this country, it looks like the Alfatista (Alfa Romeo fans) are going to have to keep on waiting.

At least one Alfatista will get his Christmas present early this year though.  That’s because Alfa Romeo has started delivering its first batch of 8C Competizione models. Though the automaker wont come to the U.S. full force, it will deliver on its promise and deliver all the pre-ordered 8C’s to customers.

The first customer to take keys of the gorgeous new alpha-Alfa is car collector James Glickenhaus, who has made previous automotive headlines before with his one-off Ferrari P4/5 designed by Pininfarina. Glikenhaus said he was proud to be the first American to welcome back the storied Italian mark. Immediately after taking delivery, he peeled off in the parking lot and took the machine for a proper test drive. That’s the way to do it!

There are 84 other 8C Competizione Alfa Romeo’s still bound for the U.S. The company states they will all be delivered to their owners by the end of the year. Still no word on whether the more pedestrian models would be showing up in the near future though. It’s a shame, cause’ Alfa is one brand that deserves a chance in this market, just maybe not now…

Above: Look up “lucky bastard” in the dictionary and you’ll find a picture of this guy… 

Source: Inside Line

Photos: Alfa Romeo