1924 Isotta Fraschini - remained with its original manufacturer for a remarkable 58 years

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PreWarCar of the Week

You cannot deny it. What a beauty! She is absolutely gorgeous. Her rich dark blue colour, her Landaulet body and the fine details… You could drive her without a doubt over the Victoria Secret runway (they wish!). But RM Sotheby's is the lucky one to have her on the red carpet and introduce her to someone new at the always crowded Amelia Island.

Who will bring/drive “her”, this incredible 1924 Isotta Fraschini home, and will be the new owner? This question will be answered on the 9th of March 2019 during the auction.

The very elegant and stylish 1924 Isotta Fraschini we see in the photographs is the earliest known surviving Tipo 8A. Chassis no. 655 was bodied by Cesare Sala of Milan. He was one of Italy’s premiere coachbuilders and one with a very close relationship to Isotta Fraschini, as Oreste Fraschini, a member of the founding family, occupied a seat on Sala’s board.

This prestigious model was first registered on the 29th of September 1927 with license plate number MI 11753. Under the ownership of Mr Balzari, this changed to IM 4151 in the administrative commune of Imperia. Ten years later the designation of the car was changed, from “private use” to “rental” for the Excelsior Bellevue Palace in San Remo. The hotel was owned by Mr Balzari, and we assume the car was used to chauffeur visiting guests to the casino or fine restaurants. After a number of years faithful service, on the 16th of July 1958, the car was sold back to the factory, Isotta Fraschini Automobili-Breda of Saronno, for 100,000 Italian lire. Here Carrozzeria Riva was commissioned to restore the vehicle to its original splendour. The car survived all acquisitions and remained with its original manufacturer for a remarkable 58 years.

In 2017 the car was purchased by its current owner (the third owner from new). Some mechanical work was done to the vehicle, and last year, the car completed the Tour d’Elegance. After which the Isotta Fraschini was shown on the lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in the Italian Classic class.

This well-preserved 1924 Isotta Fraschini is estimated between $450,000 and $650,000. She is prepared for touring so who will bring/drive “her” home?

Would you like to see the other lots that will be auctioned by RM Sotheby's at Amelia Island? Have a look at the auction catalogue.

Words by the editor. Photographs courtesy RM Sotheby's.

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