Isotta Fraschini, for the most part, built large cars, the exception being a series of small sports cars designed by Ettore Bugatti when he was just 18 years old. The Tipo 8 series provided the ultimate in luxurious transportation for the rich and were referred to as the ‘Italian Rolls-Royce.
‘This Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A wears a Castagna Of Milan body similar to the car shown by Isotta Fraschini at the Commodore Hotel in 1928. The radiator wears one of the coachbuilder’s signature Art Deco radiator guards, and that is topped with a cobra hood ornament adopted by several American Isotta owners after one was first used by Rudolph Valentino. Other features typical of Castagna are the cut-glass running board lamps, German Silver landau arms, and multiple steps giving access to the rumble seat. The distinctive set of Grebel lights include a mother-of-pearl fender lamp depicting the badge of St. Christopher, the patron saint of travelers. The current owners acquired the car from the Craven Foundation in the early 1980s.
Of the 950 Tipo 8As built during a nine-year period, factory records indicate that at least 10 of this body style were produced – seven of which are known to exist. It was sold new by Isotta Motors of New York City, the U.S. distributor of Isotta Fraschini automobiles. With little more than 26,000 miles, it is an older cosmetic restoration that has been sympathetically attended to as needed.
