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1929 Isotta Fraschini 8 A Roadster
1. 1929 IsottaFraschini Model 8A Roadster History, Statistics, and Evaluation Chassis #1462 Mouse or keystroke to proceed
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3. The IsottaFraschini was the most expensive car on the market in the 20’s and 30’s at astounding prices well in excess of $20,000. This1929 IsottaFraschiniTipo 8A Roadster Chassis #1462 is from the collection of keen auto enthusiast and popular tenor, Sergio Franchi (1926-1990). Franchi himself was a great supporter of the arts and an active member of the CCCA (Classic Car Club of America) and regularly showed his cars at Pebble Beach and drove them in the CCCA caravans to Mt. Hood. His cars were featured at Christie’s auction house. ThisIF 8A roadster was sold to Jimmy Leake of Leake Auctions of Oklahoma from the Franchi collection following a serious fire at Sergio Franchi’s home. In the fire, the rear end of the car was damaged. Leake stored the car in that condition until sold to Col. Rudy Langer in 1981. Col. Langer took on the extensive task of research and travel to assure that the restoration of this piece of history was completed properly. His endeavors took him to Italy to meet with engineers from the Isotta factory. Working with these engineers and many volumes of records and documentation, Col. Langer was able to recreate the exquisite lines of this roadster using only the finest materials and NOS parts. Research and restoration was begun in 1982. Car was completed and ready for Pebble Beach by 1997. Comprehensivedocumentation, records, and receipts accompany this car. Restorations receipts sum to a total of $650,000. The History of IsottaFraschini started in 1902. CesareIsotta, the brothers, Fraschini,Oreste, Vincenzo, and Antonio formed the company. They began building their own engines in 1903. The first all Italian built model was the Tipo 12 horsepower. The early models were built as race cars with the 1908 Briarcliff, making these cars popular with the American elite. Through the years the company produced 36 types of automobiles, 18 different Aero engines and 19 types of industrial and military vehicles. Following World War I, IsottaFraschini Began its greatest era. The 8 cylinder Tipo 8 was introduced in August 1919 and until the war they only built 4 cylinder motors for their cars. The early motors were rated at 90 horse power over head valve mono-bloc design displacing 5,890 c.c. 359.4 cubic inches, with 85 MM X 130 MM bore and stroke a byproduct of Cattancos aircraft engine design. By 1920's IsottaFraschini had established itself as one of the worlds most desirable automobiles. The names on the company client list included Kings, Queens of Italy, Iraq, the Aga Kahn, Clara Bow, Jack Dempsey, William Randolph Hearst and Rudolph Valentino. The 8A was followed By the 8 A-S (spinto or sports) version that produced 135 horsepower. Then, the 8 ASS (super spinto) delivering 160 horsepower allowed over 100 mph. Over one third of production came to the United States. The chassis alone was over $9,000 dollars with coach work 20,000 dollars. The coachbuilders were Europe’s best - CesareSala, Castagna, StabilimentiFarnia and touring in Italy, Gurney Nutting, Hooper, in England and Fleetwood in the US.
4. History In all,Tipo 8 production from 1925 to 1931, numbered 950 cars and just 20 8 B's from 1931 to 1933 and just a few cars after World War II. This Isottais a (short chassis) sports model built with competition in mind, with the 8 AS, spec motor, formerly owned by Sergio Franchi, who collected only the best classic automobiles, including several Isottas. This car was involved in a fire at his home along with several others in his collection. After his death the automobile went to James Leak with the intent of a restoration. Langer purchased the automobile from Mr. Leak and started a comprehensive but sympathic restoration to include full mechanical, motor, brakes, gear box, and rear end. Any additional parts needed were new old stock. The body work was rebuilt based on photos in books, magazines and factory drawings, using the basis of what was left from the fire. The body is very sporting with aluminum over wood ash framing, with concealed rumble seat, light weight body work, and spinto-tuned motor. This is a very sporting and fun driving early motor car.
5. By Invitation to Pebble Beach in 1997 where it took 2nd in class. By Invitation to Italian Avantgarde in Car Design in New York City in the fall of 2002. Thrity day invitational displayed with some of the finest Italian cars and motorcycles in the world.
6. Cylinders In-line 8 Bore 95mm Stroke 130mm Capacity 7,372 cc Chassis Width 5’ 8” Wheelbase 12’ 1” Track 4’ 8” Total Chassis Length 16’ 4” Chassis weight 3,500 lbs. An imposing vehicle at over 16 ft. long and nearly 6 ft. wide
9. Letter from Sergio’s wife, Eva, dated July 22, 1997 to Col. Rudy Langer praising Langer for the restoration of her late husband’s ‘29 Isotta. She congratulates him on going to Pebble Beach. Bravo! Sergio would be proud!
10. Sampling of Recent Isotta-Frashini showings: 2009 Pebble Beach Class J-1: European Classic Open 2nd 1930 IsottaFraschiniTipo 8A SS Castagna CabrioletHoward & MadlynFafard , Jupiter, Florida 2008 GREENWICH CONCOURS International Award Winners CONCOURS INTERNATIONAL - BEST IN SHOW Presented by Automobile Magazine 1927 Isotta-FraschiniTipo 8A S Roadster - Joseph and Margie Cassini, III 2007 Pebble Beach Concoursd'Elegance Class J-1 (European Classic 1925-1931) 2nd 1928 IsottaFraschiniTipo 8A SS LeBaron ConvertibleCoupe owned by Peter T. Boyle from Oil City, Pennsylvania
11. #1462 We believe that given the rarity & historical significance of this fine automobile in addition to the sheer beauty and elegance of engineering & craftsmanship, this car will take high honors at any Concours event. Please contact Tom Martin TheMotorClub21 (001) 803-370-6354 For Fine Auto Collecting in the 21st Century
