Lopresto - 1930 Isotta Fraschini 8A SS Castagna

1930 Isotta Fraschini 8A SS Castagna

Chassis number: 1651

Engine no: 1651

This car was built in 1930 by Carrozzeria Castagna of Milan on an Isotta Fraschini type 8A SS chassis, one of the most prestigious of the time. The inline 8-cylinder engine in its most powerful "Super Sport" version develops 160 horsepower, which allowes this huge car to reach a speed of 160 kilometers per hour.

The convertible bodywork uses the Hibbard & Darrin patent for the hood mechanism which allows the roof to be opened completely or partially. Very advanced are also the side windows that disappear into the door panels, rather than being removable.

The Isotta Fraschini 8-cylinder, in addition to standing out as the most expensive and luxurious car in Italy and Europe, was very successful in the United States and this example was also sold overseas, by the American importer of Castagna (Veniero d'Annunzio, son of the poet) to a noble family of Tuscan origins. The car was soon sold to the lawyer Sam Rubin, as payment of a fee when the family was hit by the 1929 crisis.

After the war, the car was bought by George Thunelius of New York, who began a never completed restoration. The car, disassembled but complete with all its components, returned to Italy in 2000 and underwent a complete restoration, winning the Coppa d'Oro on its debut at the Concorso d'Eleganza di Villa d'Este in 2006. In 2007 it was temporarily exhibited in place of the Bugatti Royale in the Schlumpf collection in Mulhouse.

TECHNICAL DATA

Cylinders: 8 inline

Displacement: 7370 cc

Power: 160 HP

Speed: 160 km/h

Wheelbase: 3710 mm

EVENTS

Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2006 (Coppa d'Oro, Menzione d'onore, Targa argento)

Concorso di Torino 2006 (2nd price)

Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 2006

Concorso di Ludwigsburg 2007 (1st class)

Baden Baden Concours 2007 (Best in Show, 1st class)