The Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8 series holds a distinguished place in automotive history, renowned for its luxurious design, advanced engineering, and association with high society. Conceived during World War I by chief engineer Giustino Cattaneo, the Tipo 8 debuted in August 1919, marking a significant milestone for the Milan-based manufacturer. This series was later succeeded by the Tipo 8A in 1925, which featured a larger 7.3-liter engine.
The high-performance 160 horsepower Tipo 8A SS, or Super Spinto, represented the pinnacle of the series, tailored for spirited high-speed driving. One of the most notable examples of the Tipo 8A SS is a dual cowl Torpedo with coachwork by Castagna, one of only two such models known to exist today. This particular car, celebrated for its exquisite design, garnered widespread acclaim at the 1933 Paris Auto Salon where it was displayed on the Castagna stand.
Its elegance and engineering excellence continued to be recognized decades later when it won Best in Show at the 1983 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. At that event, the Isotta Fraschini, then exhibited by Dr. Irwin Ginsberg of Buffalo, New York, stood out among eleven fine examples of the marque, winning its featured class before taking the top honor.
The car’s storied history includes ownership by notable figures such as Mr. Penn of the Lucky Strike Company. Dr. Ginsberg acquired the car from Mr. Penn’s estate, and it was later purchased by the General William Lyon Family in June 1985. These prestigious owners underscore the car’s status as a symbol of luxury and exclusivity.
Founded in Milan in 1900, Isotta Fraschini quickly gained favor among celebrities and royalty for its elegant and high-performance vehicles. The introduction of the Tipo 8 series marked a turning point for the brand. The 1924 Tipo 8A featured a 7.4-liter engine producing 120 brake horsepower at 2,400 RPM. This model also included a stronger chassis, larger brake drums with vacuum-servo assistance, and larger section tires, improving both performance and safety.
The Spinto and Super Spinto versions of the Tipo 8A introduced higher compression ratios and other tuning enhancements, making them some of the fastest and most desirable cars of their time. The short chassis 8A SS, particularly with a sporting body, could allegedly exceed 100 miles per hour. One such car demonstrated its prowess by finishing sixth in the inaugural Mille Miglia, a testament to its engineering and performance capabilities.
The legacy of the Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A SS is a blend of technological innovation, opulent design, and historical significance. Its rare and meticulously crafted bodies, such as those by Castagna, continue to captivate enthusiasts and collectors. The car’s achievements, both in competition and at prestigious automotive events, reflect the enduring appeal and excellence of the Isotta Fraschini marque. Today, this 1930 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A SS remains a cherished piece of automotive history, celebrated for its beauty, performance, and the remarkable legacy it represents.
