Description
Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A | 1927
Highlights:
- Documented provenance including embassies, collectors, and restorers
- Large 7.4-litre inline-eight engine with manual transmission
- Paintwork from the 1970s preserved through exhibition use only
- Original patina interior with unrestored upholstery
- Historically registered and technically inspected in Italy
The seller offers for sale this 1927 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A, a pre-war luxury limousine from one of Italy’s most prestigious early manufacturers. Powered by a 7,370 cc inline-eight petrol engine, this example features a manual transmission and bodywork typical of the stately sedans of the era. With 35,000 km recorded and mileage guaranteed by the seller, the car represents a rare opportunity to acquire a mechanically intact piece of European automotive heritage.
This car has a remarkable and well-documented history. Originally registered in 1930 by Isotta-Fraschini itself, it was assigned to the Italian embassy in Poland around 1932–33. During World War II, the car was seized by the Wehrmacht but survived the destruction of Warsaw. After the war, it entered the service of the French embassy before being privately acquired in the late 1940s. It remained in Polish hands until 1965, when it was returned to Italy, where it was owned by Nunzio Ferrari and restored between 1966 and 1971 by Pettenella Ferruccio of Milan. From 1971, the car resided in Switzerland in the collection of Matteo Tschudi, later returning to Italy in 2008. In 2023, the car was sold to Slovakia, where it is currently located.
The body was repainted in the early 1970s by a respected workshop, and since then, it has been used primarily for exhibitions, preserving the finish. There are some signs of rust on the chassis, but the paintwork remains intact and presentable.
The interior has never been restored and maintains its original patina. The seat upholstery shows visible wear consistent with age but remains a notable point of authenticity. The vehicle’s indicators, lights, and mechanical functions are operational. Although the gearbox does not shift smoothly, the engine starts without hesitation and runs without smoke or unusual noises. The car handles with ease, reportedly steerable with one hand, and is said to run vibration-free.
The Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A was introduced in 1924 as the flagship of Italian automotive excellence, directly rivaling Rolls-Royce in luxury and engineering. The Tipo 8A was fitted with a massive straight-eight engine and custom-built coachwork from some of Europe’s leading bodybuilders. It was considered one of the most opulent vehicles of its time, designed for royalty, diplomats, and industrialists.
Unlike many contemporaries, the Tipo 8A featured advanced engineering such as overhead valves and robust chassis construction. Its sheer size and elegance made it a favored platform for limousine and formal body styles, often used for state ceremonies or grand touring. Isotta Fraschini had an international reputation for luxury, with customers including Hollywood stars, aristocrats, and heads of state.
This example’s extensive diplomatic and collector provenance adds substantial historical value. Its originality, combined with decades of preservation-focused ownership, positions it as a serious entry into the world of pre-war European luxury automobiles. While it may benefit from mechanical and cosmetic attention, its completeness and backstory make it an important candidate for continued conservation or high-level concours restoration.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
4. Very Good: Small dents or scratches; may require minimal bodywork or paint correction.
Condition of the Interior
2. Fair: Noticeable signs of heavy use; may have burn marks, cracks, or permanent stains.
Technical Condition
4. Very Good: Mechanically solid, with possible minor maintenance required.
Overall Condition
4. Very Good Condition: Shows only minimal wear and is ready to drive at any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in Trnava Region, Slovakia.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has an Italian registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
