1929 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Castagna pictures and wallpaper 1929 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Castagna pictures and wallpaper 1929 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Castagna pictures and wallpaper 1929 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Castagna pictures and wallpaper
1929 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Castagna pictures and wallpaper 1929 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Castagna pictures and wallpaper 1929 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Castagna pictures and wallpaper 1929 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Castagna pictures and wallpaper
1929 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Castagna pictures and wallpaper 1929 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Castagna pictures and wallpaper 1929 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Castagna pictures and wallpaper 1929 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Castagna pictures and wallpaper
More Photographs    

View more photos
Roadster
Coachwork: Castagna
Chassis Num: 1482
 
This beautiful 1929 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A S Castagna Roadster example is believed to be only 1 of 2 known Castagna Roadsters in existence and the only one available for sale. Formerly owned by Cameron Peck and the Harrah's Collection. The most luxurious, prestige classic era limited production cars to have come from Italy and this one being a rare version of the 8A S produced greater performance with the guarantee of 100 mph.

This automobile was offered for sale at the 2007 Blackhawk Collection Exhibit held at Pebble Beach where it carried a price tag of $1,450,000.

Source - Blackhawk Collection
View more photos
Transformable
Coachwork: Castagna
Chassis Num: 1587
 
This 1929 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Castagna Transformable is one of the world's most desirable cars! To the delight of coachbuiders, the Isotta Fraschini's straight eight engine dictated the most distinctive feature of the car – a long hood and cowl. The sweeping expanse of metal over the motor compartment allowed bodies to be built with more pleasing proportions, including an extended beltline and fenders that flowed behind jewel like Grebel headlights. The appeal of Isotta Fraschini silhouette was so great that the Tipo 8A was imitated stylistically well into the 1930's as autobuilders fitted long hoods to cars equipped with comparatively stubby V-8 engines. This car was formerly owned by Pacific Auto Rentals and was use in the movie 'Sunset Blvd.' Owned by Mr. Tom Monahan, owner of Domino's Pizza in the 1980's.

This car was offered for sale at the 2007 Blackhawk Collection Exhibit held at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it had a price tag of $750,000.

Source - Blackhawk Collection
In 1902, Cesare Isotta and Vincenzo Fraschini created the Isotta Fraschini Company. This decision was made after years of successfully importing French vehicles to Italy. Automobile production was very new and this led to the creation of hundreds of independent automobile producers world-wide. It was also a very unique time in history since the automotive market was evolving, and so were the designs. This was true for the Isotta Fraschini Company, and they were rewarded for their unique creations by continued success. The elegantly designed automobiles were popular with the rich clientele. Their creations were reliable, stylish, and quick. At Targa Florio in 1908, one of their automobiles won.

In 1912 the Isotta Fraschini Company introduced a straight eight cylinder engine but would not go into production until 1919 due to World War I. During the war, the Company shifted its resource to building airplane engines. When the war was over, the eight-cylinder engine was used to power their Tipo 8, making it the first straight-eight cylinder engine to go into production. The 5.9-liter engine was capable of producing 100 horsepower, an extremely difficult accomplishment at the time.

In 1924, the engine capacity of the engine was increased to 7.3 liters, giving the vehicle between 110 and 120 horsepower depending on the configuration. The name was modified to reflect this change and was dubbed the 8A. The company claimed the vehicle could accelerate to a top speed of 90 miles-per-hour.

The vehicle could be had in a variety of flavors and sizes. The standard model sat atop a 145 inch wheelbase while a sportier version was fitted with a 134 inch wheelbase. The price to own one of these magnificent creations was not cheap, weighing in around $20,000.

In 1931 a four-speed gearbox and a refined engine was introduced and the name was changed to 8B. As with most businesses at this time, the Great Depression and a second World War had taken its toll on the company. The company had shifted focus to creating airplane and marine engines during World War II. After the war, several efforts were made to jump-start the vehicle production but all attempts failed. The factory was forced to close.

1929 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Castagna

Year1929
MakeIsotta
ModelFraschini Tipo 8A Castagna
Body StyleRoadster
Engine LocationFront
Drive TypeRear Wheel
Production Years for Series1924 - 1933
Coach WorkCastagna
Combined MPG0.00

Chassis / Engine Numbers Shown
Chassis Number1482
Chassis Number1587

Performance
Top Speed100 mph | 160.9 km/h Similar top speeds

Engine  
Engine ConfigurationI
L-Head
Cylinders8
Aspiration/InductionNormal
Displacement7.40 L | 451.5 cu in. | 7400.1 cc.
Valves16 valves.
2 valves per cylinder.
ValvetrainOHV
Horsepower140.00 BHP (103 KW) @ 2600.00 RPM
HP / Liter18.9 BHP / Liter
Main Bearings10
Fuel TypeGasoline - Petrol
Fuel FeedCarburetor
1 Zenith carburetor
BlockLight Alloy
Connecting RodsDrop forged

Standard Transmission
Gears3
TransmissionManual


 
View more photographs
View Specifications
Similar Automakers
Add Review
Other models by Isotta
AddThis Social Bookmark Button

Related Articles and Event Coverage
Blackhawk Collection at the Pebble Beach Concours


Vehicle Spotlight
Kicherer CL 60 CoupeAll-New Mazda3 Sedan to Debut at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto ShowFord Ka Tattoo
Ford Ka Digital ArtFord Ka Grand PrixPininfarina B0 Concept
Ford Kuga Show CarVenturi Volage ConceptNissan Nuvu EV Concept
Audi A1 Sportback ConceptRenault Megane TrophyRenault Z.E. Concept
Renault Mégane CoupéBMW X1 Concept2009 Lotus Exige Cup 260
Lamborghini Estoque ConceptPeugeot Prologue ConceptSpyker C8 Laviolette LM85
Peugeot 908 HYCitroen Hypnos Hybrid ConceptRenault Ondelios Concept
Chevrolet Orlando ConceptMazda Kiyora ConceptMazda Kazamai Concept