Car Guy Magazine Car Guy Magazine Issue 1114 | Page 26

AC H I E V E M E N T S
the well-established Alfa design, and history shows no evidence of quarrelling between the two car manufacturers over the Dolomite 8.
As additional proof, Morre asserts, by the time the Dolomite came on the scene, Alfa Romeo already
was eying other projects. So what about the rumor that claims that, in an effort to settle the suit, the Dolomites were ordered to be destroyed and Triumph was directed to make restitution by providing a few
hundred motorcycles to the Italian army?
Although it makes for good storytelling, there’s no historical evidence to back up this tale.
The Dolomite in John Ridings Lee’s collection has been through two restorations in its storied life, with
the most recent one performed by Bob Smith Coachworks. Since that restoration, it has made appearances
in selected Concours d’Elegance, where it never fails to draw a crowd.
Adding to the personal appeal of the car is the fact that Lee’s collection also houses a meticulously
restored 1934 Alfa Romeo 8C2300, which enjoys its own storied past. Individually, the cars are spectacular;
together, they create a team that is pure pleasure for any car enthusiast to witness.

‘34 •Olympia Car Show
•Brooklands Performace Trials:
Flying 1/4 mile: 122.47 mph
Flying mile: 13.24
30 mph to stop: 24 feet
Drivers: Donald Healey, Jack Ridley
•Autocar - British Design Award
‘35 •Monte Carlo Rally: Hit train in
Denmark, D.N.F.
Drivers: Donald Healey, Lewis Pearce
•Autocar: Fleetest Sports Car
in England
‘36 •Monte Carlo Rally: 8th Place - Highest
finish for a British driver
Driver: Donald Healey
‘37 •Leinster Trophy:
Lap Record 95.53 mph
•Donington Speed Trials:
Lap Record: 2 min. 16 sec.
‘39 •Disappeared into hiding
‘47 •Reappearance: Nottingham, Rally
1st Place, Open Car
‘49

•Prescott: Best Overall

‘50 •Prescott: Best Overall
‘54 •Private Museum, London
‘71 •Sold at Christie’s Auction to
Tom Perkins of San Franciso, CA
‘79 •Pebble Beach Concours: 1st in Class
‘84 •Purchased by John Mozart of
San Francisco, CA from Tom Perkins
‘86 •Purchased by John Ridings Lee
of Dallas, TX from John Mozart
‘89 •Pebble Beach Concours: 1st in Class
‘93 •Primary Division Senior Badge Award
C.C.C.A. Grand Classic: 1st Place
‘99 •Senior Ring Awarded Senior Division
C.C.C.A. Grand Classic: 1st Place
‘00 •Pebble Beach Concours: 1st in Class
Lord Montague Award,
Best British Automobile
‘02 •Dallas to Denver by Night 2,000-mile
Road tour at average speed of 77 mph
‘03 •Rodeo Drive Concours: 1st in Class,
Most Elegant Roadster

24 CarGuyMagazine.com

Above: John Ridings Lee with his Dolomite, and driving his Alfa 8C2300.