Vehicle Description
1930 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Castagna Roadster
Price: Inquire
VMC Stock ID: 241103
Mileage: 1609
VIN: 1657
Engine: 8-cylinder
Transmission: 3-speed
Gear Ratio:
Wheelbase:
Wheels:
Tires: Lester 700x21
Exterior Color: Tan
Interior Color: Tan Leather
Isotta Fraschini was established as an automaker in 1902 by Cesare Isotta and the brothers Fraschini (Oreste, Vincenzo and Antonio). Their elegantly designed automobiles were popular with rich clientele in the rapidly evolving world-wide automobile market. Their creations were reliable, stylish, and quick. From around 1920 to the early 1930s, Isottas were more popular in the United States than any other foreign marque except for Rolls-Royce.
When Isotta Fraschini introduced the Tipo 8 in 1919, the firm had already established itself as the premier builder of luxury automobiles in Italy. Since the dawn of motoring, Isotta Fraschini had offered some of the most pioneering and prestigious examples of the automobile, and the new Tipo 8 would live up to its proud lineage. The Tipo 8 was the first “production” inline eight-cylinder engine, a design that would become the standard for high-performance luxury automobiles of the Classic Era.
In 1912 the Isotta Fraschini Company introduced a straight eight-cylinder engine but it would not go into production until 1919 after World War I when the company built aero engines. The eight-cylinder engine powered the Tipo 8, making it the first straight-eight cylinder engine to go into production. The 5.9-liter capacity engine could of produce 100 horsepower, a most noteworthy accomplishment at the time.
In 1924, the Tipo 8 chassis underwent a thorough redesign that improved the overall performance, created a more comfortable ride and helped to facilitate the larger, heavier bodies that were becoming increasingly fashionable by the mid 1920s. Engine capacity was increased to 7.3 liters, giving the vehicle between 110 and 120 horsepower depending on the configuration. The updated design was soon dubbed the Tipo 8A. The standard model sat atop a 145 inch wheelbase while a sportier version was fitted with a 134 inch wheelbase. There was an original guarantee that these cars would do 90mph, with the capability of running at both 90mph and 6mph in the same gear. About 950 Tipo 8As were built during the 1925-1931 model run. The Tipo 8A was one of the most expensive cars of its day and nearly a third of Isottas were sold in the United States.
This car, although called a roadster, is a convertible coupe with roll up windows and a rumble seat. The car has benefited from a frame off restoration over 25 years ago and has been maintained very nicely in a climate controlled environment. Since the car sat for many years, the tires should be replaced. The chassis and undercarriage show that the car has been driven very few miles. The paint shows a nice patina, but needs to be upgraded for Pebble Beach standards. The chrome is near perfect as is the beautiful leather interior. The car sports a pair of Stephen Grabel headlights as well as a spotlight. The history of this Isotta is known from the time it was new. The original owners’ manual is included as well. This indeed is a special car, as only a very few still exist.
