The car was a product of Fabbrica Automobile Isotta Fraschini, founded in 1900. In its first decade it was a technological pioneer with 4-wheel brakes (1909), direct-acting overhead camshafts (1908), 100 hp engines (1910) and V-8 aircraft engines.
It was in the prosperous 1920s that Isotta Fraschini enjoyed its greatest success and prestige. The type 8A was introduced in 1925 to compete with its arch-rival, Hispano-Suiza. The bore was enlarged, twin carburetors were fitted, and horsepower climbed to 120. Mechanical; brakes were given a vacuum-servo to lower pedal effort and the car's heavy steering was improved. About 1350 Type 8 and 8As were built to 1931.
The great depression destroyed many of the fortunes that made cars like the Isotta Fraschini possible. During WWII the country supported the country's war effort by producing aircraft and truck engines In 1947 automobile production restarted with a type 8C Monterosa, a rear-engined, aerodynamic sedan with a single overhead cam 90 degree V-8 developing 125 horsepower. The model enjoyed little success, and in 1949 Isotta Fraschini went into bankruptcy.
Interesting that at the site of the old IF Chicago dealership they now sell Rolls Royce
ReplyDeleteDoes the car used in Sunset Boulevard survive? And why was it right-hand drive? Perhaps original owner was British?
ReplyDeleteChauffeured cars of the era were right-hand drive so the driver exited on the sidewalk to facilitate opening the rear door. There’s conflicting information about the car - during the 1980’s it was owned by the founder of Domino's Pizza, Tom Monahan, yet Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile in Italy has had it since 1972.
DeleteIs my memory flaking out on me or did Carol Burnett's Nora Desmond drive the green Chevy Vega they later destroyed in the self-serve gas sketch?
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