Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione (wheel)

ABOUT THIS COMMISSION The 8C began life as a statement of intent, unveiled at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show as a concept that seemed to distil everything that made the marque special into one gloriously sculptural shape. Its name was no accident: the 8C recalled Vittorio Jano’s supercharged straight-eight racers of the 1930s, while Competizione paid tribute to the 6C 2500 Competizione that carried Fangio and Zanardi through the Mille Miglia. Yet this was no exercise in retro pastiche. Alfa Romeo ’s in-house styling centre took those evocative historical references and gave them a thoroughly modern interpretation, creating a body whose voluptuous rear haunches, long sweeping flanks and purposeful stance seemed almost impossibly organic. There were echoes of the exquisite 33 Stradale in the deeply cowled headlights and delicate front-end detailing, while the muscular tail drew inspiration from the Giulia TZ racers. The result was a wonderfully balanced tension between elegance and aggression: a car that appeared to be moving even when standing still. Beneath that sensuous carbon-fibre skin lay serious intent, too, with a Maserati -derived architecture and a potent V8 promising the performance to match the theatre. The 8C was conceived as more than a beautiful Alfa Romeo; it was a rolling celebration of the company's competition heritage and a reminder that, at its very best, Italian automotive design can make engineering feel like an art form. ABOUT THE ARTIST “Car Fine Art”, is how Dutch Photographer Thomas Boudewijn describes his work. “I love cars and especially their design. Cars are works of art. Subtle lines, smooth curves, angular shapes, beautiful details and materials defining a car and brand.” “The unique FDL Lighting technique (focused diffused lighting) gives me artistic freedom to create truly unique images and shoot ‘Art on Wheels’.” It’s a tribute to car designers. Using this unique lighting technique, Thomas manages to eliminate distracting reflections on a car and replace them with a silky smooth finish to really highlight the design. In addition to car photography, Thomas also is working as a graphic designer and food & lifestyle photographer in the coffee industry. Cars are a fixed element in his life. Shooting for a variety of clients, organising Cars & Coffee events and providing FDL Workshops. “I love to pass on my photography knowledge and experience to other photographers, helping them expand their skills and provide new inspiration.