1931 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Two-Door Sports Coupe

The story of this particular Isotta Franchini starts in 1931. Its first owner, Victor Pryce Webb Esq, was a wealthy attorney living in London. He clearly had an eye for style, ordering his Isotta with a devastatingly striking sports coupe body built by the coach builder Lancefield. Operated by the Gaisford Brothers on Lancefield Street in London, early commissions mostly came from Rolls-Royce and Bentley with more than 150 Rolls and Bentleys ending up clothed in Lancefield's handiwork. They also built bodies for Delage, Stutz, Lagonda, and on three occasions, Isotta Fraschini. Legend has it that this car was admired by a young lady in London, who was so taken by the car she convinced her wealthy male suitor to buy her one just like it.

Originally the car was finished in beige. Shortly after it was delivered in March of 1931, the color was changed to off white, which is believed to be the same paint it wears today. In 1935 it is believed that Mr. Webb Esq, took the car to his home on an island off the Australian coast. It would remain there for 3 years. In 1938 with hostilities brewing all over the world, Mr. Webb chose to return to England, bringing the car with him.

Descriptions & pictures by bonhams & rickcarey