Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A History

Launched in 1924, the Tipo 8A replaced the original Tipo 8 with a larger 7.3-litre straight-eight producing 115–160 PS — the most powerful mass-produced straight-eight in the world at the time. Isotta Fraschini guaranteed every chassis a top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph). Approximately 950 examples were built, making the 8A comfortably the most-produced Isotta Fraschini of all.

In the American market, where nearly a third of all Isottas were sold, the 8A commanded extraordinary prices: a bare chassis cost $9,750 and fully coachbuilt cars exceeded $20,000 — dearer even than a Model J Duesenberg. The clientele matched the price: Rudolph Valentino commissioned a bespoke Fleetwood body (he died before it was completed), and Clara Bow was among the Hollywood names associated with the marque.

The Tipo 8A entered cinematic immortality in Billy Wilder's 1950 film Sunset Boulevard, in which a 1929 Castagna-bodied coupé de ville landaulet limousine serves as the car of Norma Desmond — cementing the Isotta Fraschini's image as the ultimate symbol of gilded, faded grandeur. A sportier '8A S' (corsa) variant, with closer ratios and tuned output, was also offered for more spirited drivers.