1923 Isotta Franschini Tipo 8

Coachwork by Cesare Sala | Chassis No. 208

A Pinnacle of Italian Luxury and Engineering

Founded in 1900 by Cesare Isotta and Oreste Fraschini, Isotta Fraschini quickly became a leading name in luxury automobiles and motorsport. The company introduced its first car, a 5hp single-cylinder model, at the Milan Exposition in 1901, marking the beginning of its rapid rise to prominence.

By 1908, Isotta Fraschini had already secured major victories in motorsport, including:

• Winning the Targa Florio
• Achieving second place in the Vanderbilt Cup, one of the most prestigious international racing events

Beyond automobiles, Isotta Fraschini played a crucial role in aviation, producing high-performance aircraft enginesthat were widely used in Savoia-Marchetti seaplanes and other military applications.

The Tipo 8: A Revolutionary Luxury Automobile

Introduced in 1919, the Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8 was the world's first production car powered by a straight-eight engine.

Technical Highlights:

• 5.9-liter inline-eight engine, offering unparalleled smoothness and refinement
• Advanced engineering, making it one of the most sophisticated luxury cars of its time
• Elegant and imposing design, favored by royalty, celebrities, and elite clientele worldwide

With only 950 Tipo 8 models produced between 1919 and 1924, it remains one of the rarest and most desirable pre-war luxury automobiles.

Chassis #208: Coachbuilt by Cesare Sala

This particular 1923 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8, chassis #208, features stunning coupe bodywork by Cesare Sala of Milan, one of the most respected Italian coachbuilders of the era.

• Cesare Sala was known for crafting some of the most elegant and luxurious bodies on Isotta Fraschini chassis, rivaling the finest European coachbuilders
• This exquisite example has been meticulously restored, preserving its exceptional craftsmanship and period-correct details
• Still in great condition today, it stands as a testament to Italian automotive excellence and bespoke coachbuilding artistry

An Icon of Pre-War Elegance

With its rich motorsport heritage, groundbreaking engineering, and stunning coachwork, this 1923 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8 represents one of the finest examples of Italian automotive luxury.

A true collector’s masterpiece, this extraordinary coupe embodies the sophistication, prestige, and innovation that defined Isotta Fraschini as one of the most exclusive marques of the early 20th century.