1929 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Limousine

Isotta-Fraschini began in 1899 when Cesare Isotta and Oreste Fraschini began producing cars in Milan, Italy. Most of the cars produced by the company were large cars; the exception being a series of small sports cars designed by then-18-year-old Ettore Bugatti. Isotta-Fraschini had a reputation for building not only fine cars, but also military machines, marine, and aircraft engines. The Tipo 8 series was built from 1919-1935 and became known as the world's first production straight-eight while providing the ultimate in luxurious transportation. The 8AS chassis alone costs $9,750. Customers included Rudolph Valentino, Clara Bow, Jack Dempsey, William Randolph Hearst, the Pope, and Mussolini.

Unfortunately, Isotta-Fraschini fell victim to the Depression and the worldwide collapse of the luxury car market. After car production ceased, the company concentrated on the manufacture of aircraft engines.

Powered by a 7.4-liter straight-eight and featuring a 'Toy' limousine body by Italian coachbuilder Castagna of Milan, this car is reportedly a one-of-a-kind. It was custom-designed for its first owner, Howie B. Willis of Hebron, Illinois. This was the second custom-bodied Isotta Fraschini bought new by Mr. Willis, the prominent Chicago financier who owned a total of seven Isottas, headed the Isotta Fraschini Owner's Association, and became one of the world's leading authorities on the Isotta Fraschini maruqe.

In the 1980s, Sergio Franchi, the famous Italian tenor, actor, and all-around heart-throb, purchased this car from Willis and it remained in his collection alongside his other Isotta Fraschini, a Tipo 8A S Castagna Cabriolet known as the 'Grey Goddess.' In 1998 this car was purchased by a West Coast collector who had the car restored and showed it at Pebble Beach in 1989. It reappeared at Pebble Beach in 2003, in the hands of the current owner.