1947 Isotta Tipo 8C Monterosa

The 1947 Isotta Fraschini 8C Monterosa garnered one last 'hurrah' for what had been one of the world's most famous car manufacturers. The Tipo 8C Monterosa was named for the Via Monte Rosa in Milan, where the Isotta Fraschini workshops had once stood. The model began life in 1943 on the drawing board of engineer Fabio Rapi. He designed a rigid platform with a chassis welded to an internal body frame that was tested at the Caproni aircraft factory, which was by then the owner of Isotta Fraschini. The 8C chassis was fitted with a new 3.4-liter, V8 engine designed by Aurelio Lampredi with innovative single-camshaft overhead valves, and plans were drawn up for a variety of body styles to resurrect the glory days of Isotta Fraschini. A prototype 8C sedan was built by Zagato, and then this prototype coupe, built by Carrozzeria Touring, followed. It was proudly shown at the 1947 Paris Auto Salon.