1948 Isotta Tipo 8C Monterosa Cabriolet

Isotta Fraschini's postwar luxury model, the Tipo 8C Monterosa, encompassed the highest technical standards of the day. Following a sedan by Zagato and a coupe by Touring, this striking cabriolet was built by Milanese Carrozzeria Boneschi. It has some rather complicated features, including a spring device to open the doors, another to raise the hinged fender skirts, and hydraulic jacks installed on all four corners. The innovative prototypes were intended to signal the start of a new era for Isotta Fraschini, but that was not to be. Although several other designs for luxurious motorcars were drawn up, plans for conquering the American market were thwarted - primarily due to the huge cost of the new car. In 1947 the price of the Monterosa was about $10,000 when most chauffeur-driven Cadillacs cost less than half of that. The Monterosa prototypes were exhibited for the last time at the Geneva Auto Show in March 1949, six months before Isotta Fraschini closed its doors.