1927 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Sala Torpedo Phaeton Tourer

This 1927 Isotta Fraschini 8A Boattail Tourer was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held in Amelia Island, Florida where it was estimated to sell between $450,000 - $550,000. It is powered by a 449.5 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine capable of producing 135 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel power drum brakes.

The 8A was a refined automobile that had a standard wheelbase of 145.6 inches. This could be extended to 157.5 inches to accommodate limousine coachwork. There were four-wheel drums on all four corners and a vacuum servo booster to aide in bringing the car to a stop from high speeds. Under the bonnet was an engine that was every bit a mechanical marvel as the cars were refined. The engine had a ten main bearing crankshaft, overhead valves, and light alloy pistons.

This example has a custom body created by Carrozzeria Italiana Cesare Sala of Milan. In 1927, the chassis cost $8500 with the coachwork adding an additional $6000, making this a very expensive vehicle at the time. The Cesare Sala coachwork demanded this cost due to the reputation it had accumulated through its years of creating elegant carriages for European royalty.

In 1986, the Blackhawk Collection acquired the vehicle and commissioned a restoration, thou it had been found in excellent and original condition. The restoration lasted two years, after which, it was put on display at the Blackhawk Museum.

At auction, there was interest in the vehicle, and the dollar figure rose quickly. The peak of that climb reached $390,500, falling short of the estimated value. Regardless, the vehicle found its next owner and was sold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2011