conceptcarz.com

1928 Isotta Fraschini 8A SS

History

In 1902, Cesare Isotta and Vincenzo Fraschini created the Isotta Fraschini Company. This decision was made after years of successfully importing French vehicles to Italy. Automobile production was very new and this led to the creation of hundreds of independent automobile producers worldwide. It was also a unique time in history since the automotive market was evolving, and so were the designs. This was true for the Isotta Fraschini Company, and they were rewarded for their unique creations by continued success. The elegantly designed automobiles were popular with the rich clientele. Their creations were reliable, stylish, and quick. At Targa Florio in 1908, one of their automobiles won.

In 1912 the Isotta Fraschini Company introduced a straight eight-cylinder engine but would not go into production until 1919 due to World War I. During the war, the Company shifted its resource to building airplane engines. When the war was over, the eight-cylinder engine was used to power their Tipo 8, making it the first straight-eight-cylinder engine to go into production. The 5.9-liter engine was capable of producing 100 horsepower, an extremely difficult accomplishment at the time.

In 1924, the engine capacity of the engine was increased to 7.3 liters, giving the vehicle between 110 and 120 horsepower depending on the configuration. The name was modified to reflect this change and was dubbed the 8A. The company claimed the vehicle could accelerate to a top speed of 90 miles per hour.

The vehicle could be had in a variety of flavors and sizes. The standard model sat atop a 145-inch wheelbase, while a sportier version was fitted with a 134-inch wheelbase. The price to own one of these magnificent creations was not cheap, weighing in around $20,000.

In 1931 a four-speed gearbox and a refined engine were introduced, and the name was changed to 8B. As with most businesses at this time, the Great Depression and the Second World War had taken their toll on the company. The company had shifted focus to creating airplane and marine engines during World War II. After the war, several efforts were made to jump-start vehicle production, but all attempts failed. The factory was forced to close.


By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2006

1928 Isotta Fraschini 8A SS Vehicle Profiles

1928 Isotta Fraschini 8A SS vehicle information
Convertible Coupe

Coachwork: LeBaron
Chassis #: 1353

Recent Vehicle Additions

Performance and Specification Comparison

Fraschini 8A

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
145.60 in.
8 cyl., 451.58 CID., 120.00hp
133.86 in., 145.60 in.
8 cyl., 360.04 CID., 135.00hp
145.00 in.
8 cyl., 449.75 CID., 120.00hp
133.86 in.
8 cyl., 449.75 CID., 120.00hp
8 cyl., 450.00 CID., 160.00hp
145.98 in.
8 cyl., 449.75 CID., 120.00hp
134.00 in., 145.60 in.
8 cyl., 451.58 CID., 140.00hp
134.00 in., 145.60 in.
8 cyl., 449.87 CID., 120.00hp
30
145.60 in.
8 cyl., 451.58 CID., 160.00hp
134.00 in.
8 cyl., 449.87 CID., 120.00hp

Related Automotive News

Trump Charlotte Concours d'Elegance

Trump Charlotte Concours d'Elegance

The third annual Trump National Concours dElegance was held near the shores of Lake Norman on the nationally ranked and world-renowned Trump National Golf Club-Charlotte. The location has been named one of the most spectacular and exciting courses...
Pinehurst Concours 2016 Best In Show

Pinehurst Concours 2016 Best In Show

Peter Boyle Captures Best in Show at Pinehurst Concours dElegance For Second Time in Four Years VILLAGE OF PINEHURST, N.C. (May 1, 2016) – A 1928 Isotta Fraschini 8ASS owned by Peter Boyle of Oil City, Pa., captured the Best in Show...
Past Best of Show Winners at The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

Past Best of Show Winners at The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

overview1 The 70th anniversary of the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance was celebrated with a spectacular display of previous Best of Show winners. Thirty-seven examples graced the showfield and many were still with the same owners who raised the trophy...
Trump Charlotte Concours d'Elegance

Trump Charlotte Concours d'Elegance

The third annual Trump National Concours dElegance was held near the shores of Lake Norman on the nationally ranked and world-renowned Trump National Golf Club-Charlotte. The location has been named one of the most spectacular and exciting courses...
The Elegance at Hershey

The Elegance at Hershey

Modeled after the finest concours in Europe and America, The Elegance is a genteel garden party featuring the worlds finest collector cars, arrayed around the classically manicured gardens of The Hotel Hershey. Approximately 75 carefully curated...
Pinehurst Concours 2016 Best In Show

Pinehurst Concours 2016 Best In Show

Peter Boyle Captures Best in Show at Pinehurst Concours dElegance For Second Time in Four Years VILLAGE OF PINEHURST, N.C. (May 1, 2016) – A 1928 Isotta Fraschini 8ASS owned by Peter Boyle of Oil City, Pa., captured the Best in Show...
Two Best of Show Winners : Similar Designs : Same Owner

Two Best of Show Winners : Similar Designs : Same Owner

When these two vehicles won Best of Show honors at major Concours dElegance events, they both were owned by Judge Joseph Cassini III. The green colored Chrysler 4 door Phaeton with tan convertible top wears coachwork by LeBaron. In 2012, it won the...