Vehicle Description
Destined to become one of Italy's most prestigious luxury car
manufacturers, Isotta-Fraschini formed in the late 1800s when
lawyer Cesare Isotta partnered with brothers Vincenzo, Antonio, and
Oreste Fraschini. The four men shared a passion for motorcars, and
they began importing French DeDions into Milan before embarking on
a more ambitious plan to build a car of their own. Finding success
in the early 1910s, the company grew steadily and enjoyed an
increasingly loyal following, particularly in the American market.
The Tipo 8 of 1912 marked Isotta-Fraschini's arrival in the upper
echelon of car manufacturers, featuring world's first production
inline 8-cylinder engine and four-wheel brakes. The successor Tipo
8A followed in 1924, retaining the eight-cylinder layout, but with
an entirely new chassis and suspension. Testers criticized early
iterations for being underpowered compared to the mighty
Hispano-Suiza, but in Isotta's defense, the 8A's objective was
silence over speed. Not to be outdone, however, subsequent
evolutions of the Tipo 8A, the Spinto, and Super Spinto, made 135
hp and 160 hp respectively, putting any criticism to rest.
Particularly in ultimate S.S. form, the Isotta-Fraschini Tipo 8A
stands among the most desirable of all Classic Era automobiles. The
combination of power, prestige and engineering excellence was
matched by the work of great coachbuilders including Fleetwood,
Derham, Worblaufen, and Italy's own Castagna. In America, where
nearly a third of Isottas were sold, the price of an 8A exceeded
that of a Model J Duesenberg. Pricing started at $9,750 for a
chassis alone, with complete cars often approaching $20,000
depending on coachwork. As such, Isottas attracted the likes of
King Faisal, the Aga Khan, William Randolph Hearst, and Rudolph
Valentino, to name just a few. Full of charisma and imposing
presence, this 1930 Isotta-Fraschini Tipo 8A SS is well known in
collector circles as one of the most correct and meticulously
restored examples extant. In the 1950s, chassis number 1643
belonged to Ferris Alger of New Hope, Pennsylvania, known as one of
the founding members of the Classic Car Club of America. Described
by some as an eccentric, Alger kept many important classics
scattered about his New Hope property. Among those cars were two
Isotta-Fraschinis - a town car in the barn and this Castagna-bodied
convertible coupe kept out in the yard. Around 1952, a young car
enthusiast named John "Jack" Nagle first spotted this spectacular
Castagna-bodied Isotta parked outside the International Motor
Sports Show in New York City. Nagle fell in love with the car and
vowed to own one someday. Two years later, while traveling through
New Hope, he was shocked to see the complete Isotta #1643 sitting
in Ferris Alger's yard, along with a sign that read "Danger... Keep
Away." Naturally, he did what any self-respecting car enthusiast
would do - ignore the warning and try to buy the car. He was met
with a resounding NO, but Alger did at least show him the car. In
fact, over the coming years, Nagle regularly visited with Alger
about the Isotta and other vehicles, and Alger was more than happy
to share his vast knowledge with his young friend. Finally, after
eight years of cordial visits, Alger finally agreed to sell the
Isotta to Nagle, on the premise that it would be restored. Upon
returning home to Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Jack Nagle set to work
assessing the project. Period photos show the car was complete, but
it was in rough condition, and everything would need attention.
Amazingly, the 7.4-liter inline-eight fired up with little effort,
running well enough for Nagle to take a drive around the block!
That would be the last drive for some time; however, as project
swelled into an exhaustive, meticulous restoration that would
consume the next twenty-plus years. With the assistance of a series
of close friends and colleagues from the CCCA and around the
collector car world, Nagle's restoration of 1643 grew steadily in
scope and detail - to the point of becoming an obsession. Every
single component was carefully returned to as-new condition, with
an unwavering mission to ensure each aspect remained faithful to
the original. For instance, he returned a set of pistons while
rebuilding the engine because their weight was too far from that of
the ones that came out of the engine, and he feared spoiling the
car's refinement. Among his other duties, Jack Nagle served as the
CCCA's Awards Chairman for many years, and the same high standards
to which he held others were applied to the restoration of his
magnificent Isotta. Finally, in July 1984, the reborn
Isotta-Fraschini #1643 arrived at the Baltimore Grand Classic,
scoring a perfect 100 points on debut. It was an emotional moment
for the man who had first seen this spectacular car some 30 years
prior and dedicated so much of his life to its resurrection.
Shortly afterward, Nagle sold the Isotta to the highly respected
collector Noel Thompson of New Vernon, New Jersey. In Mr.
Thompson's care, the car earned its CCCA Senior Premier award and
scored a 2nd place in a special class of Isotta-Fraschini
automobiles at the 1989 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Following
its time with Thompson, the car joined a private collection on the
west coast, with the current owner acquiring it from that collector
in 1997. For the last 22 years, the Isotta-Fraschini has been part
of an extensive collection, appearing only occasionally in shows
and events. As a testament to the breathtaking quality of the
restoration, its last major concours appearance was in 2006 at the
Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. Over the years, this car has
featured in numerous books, magazines, and publications, including
an 8-page feature in the CCCA magazine, as well as in Dennis
Adler's book Speed and Luxury, Beverly Ray Kimes' book The Classic
Car, and many others. Seemingly in defiance of time, this
Isotta-Fraschini remains utterly breathtaking today. The
restoration has aged gracefully, with only some minor cracking in
the lacquer giving up the fact that 35 years have elapsed since it
first rolled out of Jack Nagle's garage. Finished in a handsome
two-tone light tan, the body is accented with subtle burgundy
stripes (applied by Italian craftsmen hired by Nagle to achieve the
desired effect). It has since been updated with alloy wheel discs,
which accentuate the long, low, and flowing lines of the Castagna
coachwork. The body is exquisitely appointed: From the magnificent
Stephen Grebel headlamps and spot lamp to the intricately crafted
running board plates, the detail is impressive. Currently, a
Lalique Crystal goddess mascot tops the radiator; however, the sale
includes an incredibly rare factory mascot, restored to the same
standard as the rest of the fine car. Providing a pleasing contrast
to the body color scheme is a richly appointed dark tan leather
interior. The upholstery is supple, taut, and finished to a very
high standard, showing a fabulous character acquired through time
and care. A hallmark of this Castagna coachwork is the intricate
wood trim on the door panels, instrument fascia, and even in the
rumble seat compartment. During the restoration, someone began
fitting burl walnut, assuming it would look better than the
original - however, Mr. Nagel insisted on its removal and
replacement with pecky walnut and maple, as that was exactly true
to original specification. The wood is gorgeous, with only a slight
mellowing to the impeccable finish. A period tool kit accompanies
the car, as well as reproduction owner's manual and parts manual.
The mighty 7.3-liter, overhead valve, inline-eight is more than up
to the task of propelling the big Isotta along with ease. In
twin-carburetor S.S. specification...for more information please
contact the seller.