1912 Isotta Fraschini KM

Cesare Isotta and Oreste Fraschini formed the Società Milanese Automobili Isotta, Fraschini & C. in late January of 1900. Their business included the assembly of Renault automobiles during their early existence prior to the creation of their own product. Their first vehicle was powered by a four-cylinder engine that produced an adequate 24 horsepower. Within a short time, their racer vehicles were producing over 100 horsepower. The company quickly developed a reputation for powerful and competitive racers that used larger engines that developed massive amounts of horsepower.

The example shown is an Isotta Fraschini KM that is powered by a 700 cubic-inch four-cylinder engine that produces over 100 horsepower. The engine block covers have been replaced by a glass panel allowing a view of the engine's operation.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2006