1924 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8

The Isotta Fraschini Company (Società Milanese Automobili Isotta, Fraschini & C.) was founded around 1902 in Italy by Cesare Isotta and Vincenzo Fraschini. Their early vehicles were high horsepower machines that achieved celebrity in the crucible of racing, with the early highlight being a victory in 1908 in the Targa Florio. Following World War I in which Isotta Fraschini built airplane engines, the company established itself as a luxury manufacturer with the introduction of the Tipo 8, the first production car equipped with a straight-eight engine. The straight-eight engine was unveiled in 1912, but production was delayed due to the First World War.

The Isotta Fraschini straight-eight engine was one of the most powerful engines available, offering 100 horsepower from its 5.9-liter displacement size. It was installed into a steel ladder frame with a generous 145-inch wheelbase and suspended by a solid front axle and a live rear axle, both with semi-elliptic leaf springs and Watson stabilator shock absorbers. Stopping power was provided by power-assisted drums.

The Tipo 8A of 1924 introduced a larger and more refined version of the engine, now displacing 7.3 liters and offering upwards of 120 horsepower. Many bodies were built atop the 145-inch standard-wheelbase chassis, while others were given sporter bodies on the shorter 134-inch platform. Higher compression versions of the engine were often fitted, complementing the vehicle's performance persona. Three different specifications were available including the standard Tipo 8A on a 145-inch wheelbase and two higher horsepower models, the Spinto S and Super Spinto SS, each on a 134-inch chassis.

The Tipo 8B of 1931 was an even more powerful version, equipped with a four-speed transmission.

The Tipo 8A was sold as chassis-only with customers then selecting a customer body builder. A Tipo 8A finished sixth in the first Mille Miglia with Bindo Maserati as a co-driver. Only 950 Tipo 8A cars were built through 1931. The Tipo 8 Series of cars were built from 1919-1935 and are recognized as the world's first quantity-production straight-eight engine.

The price of a Tipo could reach $20,000, quite expensive for the time, and cost more than a Duesenberg Model J. They were the most expensive motorcar produced in Italy which made them popular with dignitaries and royalty. Unfortunately, WWII took its toll on the auto industry in Europe, and Isotta ceased production in 1949.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2021