1929 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Cabriolet

1929 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Cabriolet Coachwork by Franay

The 8A was unashamedly one of the world's most expensive chassis, and Isotta Fraschini served a select list of favored customers who had the necessary wherewithal to indulge themselves with cars of unbridled luxury. Stamped with chassis number 1402, this chassis was according to Angelo Tito Anselmi's book on the marque delivered to first owner F.I.G. Vingerhoets of Bruxelles, Belguim in October 1929.

The luxurious Isotta Fraschini carries elegant coachwork reputed to be the work of the Carrosserie Franay in Paris. Marius Franay is universally recognized not only as one of the French master carrossiers during the golden age of coachbuilding, but also as a designer with rare artistic vision. The attribution to Franay is made likely by a design drawing in a 1930 Franay coachwork catalog that displays a side profile which is very similar to this Isotta 8A. Although this would need to be substantiated, research into this car points to the possibility that the engine may be to 8AS specification. Indications include the high engine number (1630), the short chassis, and the presence of a vacuum tank behind the engine.

The designs of Marius Franay bear testimony to his superb sense of proportion and innate sense for creating elegant bodies of enduring beauty. The rare short wheelbase Isotta Fraschini chassis carries an exquisite black on black body where the beautiful rounded sweep of the perfectly classic non-skirted fenders contrast gracefully with the deliberately upright and narrow windshield, the high beltline that creates a slim and also deliberately square side window, the formal top, and the squared-off but slanted continental trunk with spare – to create an ensemble which is sporting, chic and splendidly handsome. This gorgeous car would have been just as much at home on a day at the races, as for going out on the town.

Descriptions & pictures by bonhams