Isotta-Fraschini
Isotta Fraschini
Isotta Fraschini was know as "The Aristocrat of Automobiles." This was the Italian supreme luxury marque from Milan which only the most elite could own. Today Isotta-Fraschini is a set of several companies.
History
Isotta Fraschini was the most extreme and ultra-luxury marque in Italy; it was a true Italian pedigree, regarded as highly as Rolls-Royce is to the British but even more unusual. Like its Anglo counterpart, the name was made up of two surnames of its founders, Cesare Isotta and Oreste Fraschini. This high-end luxury car marque was established as Fabbrica Automobili Isotta-Fraschini. Prior to establishing their own company in 1903, Isotta and Fraschini were assembling Renault autombiles beginning in 1899.
The first automobile which this marque produced featured a four cylinder that had an output of 12 hp (9 kW) which was succeeded by 16 hp 12 kW then 24 hp (18 kW). In 1905 Isotta-Fraschini gained much notoriety in the race, Coppa Florio which they entered their Tipo D that featured a 17 liter 100 hp (75)engine. For a short time, in 1907 Isotta-Fraschini merged with the French company Lorraine-Dietich
The Isotta-Fraschini is the automobile driven by the character Norma Desmond in the Oscar winning movie "Sunset Boulevard." In the movie, which is set in the 1940s, Norma is a forgotten former silent film star from the 19teens and 1920s, and the car represents both the height her glamour and how its time has past.
- Isotta-Fraschini Motori S.p.A., "From a great history, today's story", an Italian engineering firm specializing in diesel products, particularly marine engines, industrial engines, and rail traction engines but has provided a wide range of civil and military engineering products and services.
- Fabbrica Automobili Isotta-Fraschini S.p.A., for a while the name and trademark was in the hands of the Italian government from which an Italian businessman Giuliano Malvino purchased it. At the present time this company is inactive although there is talk that is will be resurrected to compete Maybach, Rolls-Royce, and Bentley.
- Isotta Fraschini Milano, s.r.l., produces luxury goods in the spirit of the supreme luxury that the Isotta-Fraschini Motor Car embodied.
Models
Tipo 8
No doubt who makes this Isotta-Fraschini Mod 8 Introduced in 1919, the Tipo 8 was powered by a 5902cc in-line eight cylinder ohv engine (the first series produced in-line 8 cylinder engine in the world) and fitted with a three-speed transmission. In 1924 the 8A, with a 7372cc engine (110bhp) replaced the original car and was later joined by the 8ASS which was a more sporting model with 135bhp and a shorter wheelbase. The third series was introduced in 1931 as the 8B which continued to use the 7372cc engine (now with 150bhp) in a much developed chassis and with a 4-speed transmission.
Around 1,350 cars were built of this range, the largest percentage being the 8A.
Technical Details
- Engine
- 5902cc (85x130mm) straight-eight, ohv with 80bhp
- 7372cc (95x130mm) straight-eight
- Suspension
- Front : beam axle with leaf springs
- Rear : live axle with leaf springs
- Brakes drums all round
- Transmission 3 speed manual (later 4 speed)
8C Monterosa
An attempt by Isotta-Fraschini to re-enter the automotive market after the war, the 8C Monterosa, launched in 1947, used an unconventional approach. It was a large, six-seat car, powered by a 3400cc V8 positioned at the rear and driving the rear wheels through a five-speed transmission. The body was designed by Zagato. Four cars were built before the company ceased trading in 1949, closed by its owners, the Italian government. These were a four door berlina by Rapi (built by Zagato), another four door berlina by Touring, a two door berlina also by Touring and a cabriolet by Boneschi.
T8
Revealed at the Geneva Motorshow in 1996, the new Isotta-Fraschini T8 was a 2+2 Spider, also available with a hard-top. It used Audi A8 mechanicals, including four-wheel-drive and the same 4172cc 32-valve V8 engine whilst the body was all new and made of aluminium. Production was due to be undertaken at an-ex military weapons factory in Southern Italy but nothing appeared and in late 2000 the remaining hardware was sold.
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