1929 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Cabriolet

Fabbrica Automobili Isotta Fraschini was founded in Milan in 1900 by partners Cesare Isotta and the Faschini brothers, Oreste, Vincenzo, and Antonio. Isotta Fraschini began by importing Renault cars into Italy before going into production with a five-horsepower, single-cylinder prototype that was displayed at the Milan Exposition in 1901. Just four years later, the company had become Ital's second biggest motor manufacturer. The company's involvement in motor sports helped fuel their swift rise in popularity. Oreste Fraschini took second place in the Sassi-Superga Hillclimb in June of 1920. In 1908, the company scored a monumental victory in the grueling Targa Florio and took a second place finish in the Vanderbilt Cup.

In 1910, Isotta Fraschini introduced the world's first car with four-wheel brakes. In 1913, three Isotta Fraschinis were entered in the Indianapolis 500 race - thus becoming the first cars with four-wheel brakes to compete in that event.

The Tipo 8 chassis was powered by the world's first series-produced straight-eight. It was developed prior to WWI by chief engineer Giustino Cattaneo and introduced in August 1919. The 5.9-liter, pushrod-operated overhead-valve unit developed 80 horsepower at 2200 RPM. It had a nine-bearing crankshaft, magneto ignition, and an alloy cylinder block. The engine was mated to a three-speed gearbox with multi-plate clutch. The chassis was suspended in place by semi-elliptic springs. Of course, servo-operated four-wheel brakes remained at all four corners.

The Tipo 8 was intended for the lucrative United States market and was designed as a chauffeur-driven luxury vehicle. Customers throughout the world included Queen of Rumania, the King of Italy, Pope Pius XI, Benito Mussolini, and a host of European princes, film stars Rudolph Valentio and Clara Bow, newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst, and world heavyweight boxing champion Jack Dempsey. Other customers included King Fuad of Egypt, King Faisal of Iraq, the Aga Khan and various Indian maharajahs.

In 1925, the company introduced the Tipo 8A. It had a larger 7372cc engine that produced 115 horsepower in standard trim, making it the most powerful straight-eight in production. Other mechanical improvements included vacuum-assisted brakes and three-speed synchromesh transmission. The chassis was available in three different engine specifications, with the Spinto and Superspinto derivatives with higher compressions developed 150 horsepower. The standard Tipo 8A had a wheelbase size of 145 inches. The S and SS models had a shorter 134-inch wheelbase.

The Duesenberg Model J was notoriously expensive, however, the Isotta Fraschini exceeded the price of the Duesy. The chassis alone was priced at $9,750 while coachbuilt models could cost upwards of $20,000.

One-third of all Tipo 8 production went to the United States; Isotta Fraschini was the second most popular foreign US manufacturer after Rolls-Royce.

In 1931, Isotta Fraschini introduced the Tipo 8B featuring a four-speed transmission. However, with the Great Depression in full swing, fewer than 100 examples were built compared with 320 of the Tipo 8 and 950 of the Tipo 8A.

Henry Ford had a plan to save the company but that failed. It was later bought by aircraft manufacturer Count Caproni di Talideo in 1932. Prewar car production ceased in 1935.

1929 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Cabriolet
This particular example was delivered to its first owner F.I.G. Vingerhoets of Bruxelles, Belgium in October of 1929. The engine may be to 8AS specification, as it is a high engine number on a short chassis and there is a vacuum tank located behind the engine.

Until recently, it was believed that the coachwork was by Carrosserie Franay in Paris. It is now believed to have been created by Stabilimenti Farina, whose body numbers can still be found, stamped (err, hand-scratched) into the underside of much of the original body hardware.

This short-wheelbase car is finished in black with a black convertible top, has a narrow windshield, non-skirted fenders, a high beltline, square side windows, a formal top, a slanted and squared-off continental trunk with spare. The overhead valve V8 engine is fitted with 2 Zenith carburetors and produces 115 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual transmission, leaf spring suspension setup, and four-wheel mechanical drum brakes.

The early history is not fully known; it is believed to have resided in either Norway or in France. After World War II, it was stored in a barn for years which resulted in damage to the engine. This was resolved by the installation of the current engine, number 1630.

It was sold out of Norway to Jack Tallman of Decatur, Illinois, who later advertised it for sale in the July 1966 Bulletin of the Classic Car Club of America. The advertisement declared this to be the 'Paris World's Fair Show Car.' The car did not sell; Mr. Tallman subsequently registered it with the Antique Automobile Club of America in 1968 and maintained it until at least 1977.

While in the custodianship of its current owner, the car has been given a restoration and finished in black with a red leather interior.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2016