Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A SS Cabriolet

Vehicle Overview

The Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A SS Cabriolet by Castagna stands as a testament to the pinnacle of luxury and craftsmanship in the 1920s. During this era, a tour of the world’s most exclusive motor car manufacturers would include visits to Hispano-Suiza in France, Pierce-Arrow in Ohio, Rolls-Royce in England, and Bugatti in Molsheim.

Chassis no. 1578 recently underwent a comprehensive restoration, marked by meticulous historical research to ensure accuracy. During the process, the owner and restorer accessed the archives of Howe B. Willis, the former historian of the U.S.-based Isotta Fraschini Owner’s Association. Through these documents, they discovered that the car likely made its debut at the 1930 Milan Salone dell’Auto. A period photograph annotated with the chassis number confirmed that the car on display at the salon was indeed this very vehicle. Originally, over its 80-year history, the car had been subjected to various restorations that somewhat altered its authentic appearance. However, the current restoration aimed to return it to its original form, guided by the principle of historical fidelity. The result is a stunning recreation that includes correct pillar-mounted Marchal headlights, bumpers, running boards, and a refurbished toolbox. The interior, a signature of Castagna’s luxury, has been beautifully renewed with Carpathian elm veneers and ostrich hide panels, preserving the original silver hardware and inlays. The car’s technical features were also addressed during the restoration. Notably, the steering column, mounted low below the dashboard, and the extended scuttle indicate that it conforms to the more desirable ‘SS’ specifications. Although it lacks the typical split exhaust of ‘SS’ models, it is believed that this feature may have been replaced at some point in its life. Research into the car’s post-show history suggests that it was sold to the American market, with its first owner possibly being the son of William Randolph Hearst. The car remained on the West Coast for many years, rumored to have belonged to Bud Cohn before being documented in the 1970s as owned by Robert Ford, a Venezuelan collector. In the early 1990s, it was acquired by collector Bob Pond and remained with him until its public sale in 2009.

Chassis no. 1651 was manufactured in 1930 by Isotta Fraschini Motori S.P.A. in Italy, this remarkable vehicle features a white Double Phaeton body with rich brown leather interiors. The car’s coachwork, engineered by the renowned Carrozzeria Castagna, exemplifies Italian elegance. The car’s first owner was Veniero D’Annunzio, son of the famous poet Gabriele D’Annunzio. Veniero, an official representative of Castagna in the United States, acquired the car in 1930. That same year, Sam Rubin, a lawyer associated with Castagna, took ownership as payment after the economic downturn of 1929. In 1931, the car was inherited by Mickey Miller, Rubin’s nephew, a young magician who kept the vehicle until 1959. In February 1959, George Thunelius, a New Yorker, purchased the Isotta Fraschini for $700 after noticing a sales advertisement in the New York Times. Despite years of attempted restoration, Thunelius never fully succeeded, and in 2000, the car was sold to Italian collector Corrado Lopresto. Lopresto, an avid classic car enthusiast, took on the challenge of restoring the car, meticulously documenting the process from 2002 to 2006, with the restoration primarily focusing on the body, interior, and mechanical aspects. During Lopresto’s ownership, the car gained significant recognition. In 2006, it received the FIVA Identity Card, marking its historical significance. The Isotta Fraschini was showcased at prestigious events like the Concorso Internazionale d’Eleganza di Villa d’Este and the Coppa Automobile Club di Torino. The car also appeared at international concours, including the Kuwait Concours d’Elegance in 2010 and the Festival Automobile de Mulhouse in 2007. In 2022, the car made headlines once again at the Concorso d’Eleganza Città di Mantova, where it was awarded the Premio speciale della giuria.