Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Faux Cabriolet

Vehicle Overview

The Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Faux-Cabriolet, chassis 1491, with coachwork by Cesare Sala, represents a pinnacle of Italian automotive luxury and craftsmanship. Renowned for its elegance and imposing presence, this particular car made history as the winner of the inaugural Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in 1929, where it was awarded the prestigious Coppa d’Oro, the top honor for elegance and design. Isotta Fraschini, a distinguished Italian marque, was known for producing some of the most luxurious automobiles of the early 20th century. The Tipo 8A, introduced in 1924, was designed to cater to the elite, featuring a powerful straight-eight engine that combined smooth performance with exceptional refinement. Chassis 1491 was one of the most notable examples of this model, delivered to the renowned coachbuilder Cesare Sala in Milan. Sala, celebrated for his meticulous craftsmanship and sophisticated designs, created a Faux-Cabriolet body that merged the aesthetic appeal of a convertible with the practicality of a fixed roof. The Faux-Cabriolet designation referred to a fixed roof designed to mimic the open-top style of a cabriolet, a popular choice among affluent clients who appreciated the stylish appearance without compromising the comfort of a closed car. Sala’s design for chassis 1491 featured flowing lines and an imposing profile, highlighted by a long, elegant hood, an upright radiator grille, and gracefully curved fenders. The fixed roof maintained the illusion of a soft top, enhancing the car’s refined, sporty character. The Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Faux-Cabriolet made its debut at the 1st Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in 1929, held on the scenic shores of Lake Como. The event was created to showcase the finest in automotive design and luxury, attracting the most prestigious cars of the era. Among these, chassis 1491 stood out for its harmonious blend of power and grace, with its majestic proportions and the refined detailing of the Sala body captivating both judges and spectators. Awarded the Coppa d’Oro, it was recognized as the most elegant and beautifully crafted car of the competition, establishing the model’s legendary status and reinforcing Isotta Fraschini’s reputation for sophistication. Shortly after this triumph, the car was sold to Celestino Piva, an Italian industrialist known for his passion for luxurious automobiles. The official sale took place on August 8, 1929, further highlighting the car’s appeal among Italy’s elite. Piva’s ownership added to the car’s prestigious history, cementing its status as a prized possession of the period.