1913 Isotta Fraschini Tipo IM

Isotta Fraschini quickly established a reputation for innovation and high-quality craftsmanship. Its legacy is often attributed to its eight-cylinder luxury cars built during the 1920s, but it was many years earlier that the company forged its reputation for motor racing. Leading the charge in the engineering department was Giustino Cattaneo who developed the Tipo I Corsa in 1907, which competed at the Coppa Florio that year and emerged victoriously. A year later, in modified form, it won the Targa Florio. Following these victories, Isotta Fraschini designed a high-performance, lightweight, road-going car called the Tipo FE Voiturette. Several high-horsepower models followed and were particularly popular with U.S.-based enthusiasts.

The United States market was important to Isotta Fraschini and they made considerable efforts to promote their cars, most often through racing endeavors. In 1908, placed second in the Vanderbilt Cup, and were victorious in several other events including the Briarcliff Trophy, Savannah Trophy, and the Lowell Cup. In preparation for the Indianapolis 500, Isotta Fraschini Motor Co. of New York commissioned the Tipo IM. Six examples were built in the spring of 1913, wearing designs inspired by the KM and TM models.

The Isotta Fraschini Tipo IM was powered by an aircraft-inspired overhead cam, a 16-valve engine with a revised bore and stroke ratio, and a displacement size of 7,238 cubic centimeters. Its 7.2-liter displacement allowed it to comply with the limit set for American racing events. The 135 horsepower produced at 2,350 RPM was sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox. Another advanced feature was the four-wheel braking system. The suspension was comprised of a solid front and a live rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs all around.

As production was winding down, production was delayed due to a strike at the factory. Despite the setbacks, the factory was able to fulfill its American contracts. The cars were sent to Le Havre, France, and loaded onto the Lusitania on April 29th. They arrived in New York on May 24th and were sent to Indianapolis by express train, just in time to participate in qualifying sessions.

The 1913 Indianapolis 500 was the third year of the event, and it was the substantial monetary rewards that attracted U.S. and European factory-backed teams. The Isotta Fraschini team had the most modern and sophisticated machinery that they were capable of producing, and the lineup of drivers was equally impressive, consisting of Targa Florio winner Vincenzo Trucco, American racer 'Terrible' Teddy Tetzlaff, and two-time Vanderbilt Cup winner Harry Grant. Ray Gilhooley was hired as the relief driver, and he was lent a Tipo KM, which he drove prior to the start of the race in exhibition laps.

In the end, it was the lack of preparation and fine-tuning that proved to be the Achilles Heel of the Tipo IM's effort, having been prepared during the midst of the labor strike. The demise of all three cars was attributed to minor mechanical issues, with Grant leaving on Lap 14 due to a split gas tank. Trucco had the same issue but his car held up to Lap 39 before he bowed out of the race. Tetzlaff's carried the torch for Isotta Fraschini through lap 118 when a broken drive chain ended his day.

The car driven by Tetzlaff returned to Indianapolis 500 a year later and was entrusted to Ray Gilhooley. On Lap 41, the Isotta suffered a tire blowout in Turn 3, which ensnared the drive chain. The car spun wildly and ejected the driver and riding mechanic in the process, eventually coming to a stop on tires in the infield.

In many ways, these were the end and pinnacle of an era, and at the same time gave a glimpse into the future. The chain drive system was archaic and the front wheel brakes were thoroughly modern. Had they not succumbed to mechanical issues, it would have been interesting how history would have recorded their accomplishments at Indy.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2021