The story of Isotta Fraschini is one of automotive innovation, elegance, and enduring legacy. Founded in Milan in 1900, Isotta Fraschini initially made its mark by assembling and selling Renault cars for the Italian market. However, it wasn’t long before they unveiled their first automobile bearing the distinctive IF badge in 1901, powered by a single-cylinder DeDion-Bouton engine.
In 1919, Isotta Fraschini introduced the Tipo 8 with an innovative inline eight-cylinder engine, revolutionizing automotive engineering. Five years later, the enhanced Tipo 8A debuted, featuring a more powerful engine, redesigned frame, and advanced three-speed synchromesh transmission. The Tipo 8A was offered in three specifications, including the standard model on a 145-inch wheelbase and two high-performance variants, the Spinto S and Super Spinto SS, each on a 134-inch chassis, solidifying Isotta Fraschini’s reputation for innovation and luxury.
Isotta Fraschini’s reputation for crafting elegant automobiles of unparalleled quality attracted the attention of the new American aristocracy, as well as the stars of stage and screen. Celebrities such as Clara Bow and Rudolph Valentino were proud owners of Isotta vehicles, drawn to their exquisite design and exceptional performance. Isotta’s Fifth Avenue showroom in New York City became a haven for discerning clientele seeking automotive excellence.
In 1931, amidst the economic challenges of the Great Depression, Isotta Fraschini introduced the Tipo 8B, the ultimate high-performance iteration of their famed Tipo 8 series. Despite its exceptional engineering and luxurious appointments, only 30 examples of the Tipo 8B were ever sold. Today, just three of these remarkable vehicles are known to exist, each a rare and cherished artifact of automotive history.
One such example of the Tipo 8B found its home in the hands of Danish Consul General Carl Glad, who commissioned Dansk Karosseri Fabrik of Copenhagen to craft a bespoke convertible body designed by Viggo Jensen. Adorned with an Art Deco interior featuring maroon ostrich-skin upholstery and exquisite birdseye maple and mahogany woodwork, this Tipo 8B exudes opulence and sophistication. Its polished nickel exterior brass details, including the distinctive front bumper, add a touch of elegance to its striking appearance.
Over the years, this exceptional Tipo 8B has graced numerous events and exhibitions, from royal processions to prestigious concours d’elegance competitions. Its restoration by W.K. Haines and subsequent accolades, including Best of Show at the 1995 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, highlight its enduring appeal and significance in the world of classic automobiles. As a symbol of Isotta Fraschini’s legacy of luxury and craftsmanship, this Tipo 8B continues to captivate and inspire automotive enthusiasts around the globe.
