1929 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Transformable

Isotta Fraschini's Milan factory was located near two of Italy's finest coachbuilders, Cesare Sala and Castagna - and these two firms built a great many custom bodies for the marque at its peak. Carlo Castagna already had a thriving business by the turn of the century and by the 1920s, working with his two sons, Ercole and Emilio, Carrozzeria Castagna was topping Isotta's Tipo 8, 8A and 8B chassis with creations ordered by the wealthy, the aristocracy and even the pope.

This 1929 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Castagna Imperial Cabriolet was among the most conservative styles offered, but one that greatly appealed to wealthy Americans. At least a third of the 950 Tipo 8 chassis built were exported to the United States. This Imperial Cabriolet was acquired by its current owner in 2016 and has just been restored for its debut at the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

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's silhouette was so great that the Tipo 8A was imitated stylistically well into the 1930s 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 used 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