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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Sala

1931Coachwork by Sala

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Production period
1931
Body style
Berlina
Chassis
1679
Engine
Inline-8
Type
One-off
Production
1

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR

Coachbuilding, design & conversions

PRICE & SALES RECORD

Vehicle value

Original price
Not documented
Latest recorded sale
Not documented

01 / THE STORY

History & context

The Isotta Fraschini 8A Sala, constructed between 1927 and 1928, is a remarkable example of the luxurious and bespoke vehicles produced during the interwar period. This particular model was commissioned by an English car dealer representing Isotta Fraschini and was expertly bodied by Carrozzeria Cesare Sala of Milan, a renowned coachbuilder known for its exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail. The car dealer, located at 37 North Audley Street in London, used this Isotta Fraschini as a demonstration vehicle, showcasing its elegance and advanced engineering to potential clients. It remained on display for several years, serving as a testament to the brand’s prestige and the luxurious appeal of the 8A model. The Isotta Fraschini 8A was one of the most coveted luxury cars of its time, often compared to the likes of Rolls-Royce and Hispano-Suiza, making it a perfect centerpiece for a high-end dealership in a prominent London location. After nearly four years as a demonstration vehicle, the car was sold on August 3, 1931, to Commander Antonio Tamboriza of Toulouse. It was then registered in France for the first time, marking a new chapter in its history. The sale to Commander Tamboriza underscores the international appeal and exclusivity of the Isotta Fraschini brand, attracting discerning buyers from across Europe. The Isotta Fraschini 8A Sala remains a fascinating piece of automotive history, not only for its exceptional design and craftsmanship but also for its journey from a prestigious London showroom to the roads of France. The involvement of Carrozzeria Cesare Sala added a layer of Italian elegance to the robust engineering of the Isotta Fraschini chassis, creating a vehicle that was as beautiful as it was technically impressive. This car, like many others of its era, illustrates the close relationship between automotive engineering and custom coachbuilding, where each vehicle was a unique work of art tailored to the tastes of its owner, a true embodiment of the luxury and exclusivity that defined the golden age of motoring.

02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY

Specifications & construction

Production & construction

Production
1
Production type
One-off

Engine & performance

Engine configuration
Inline-8

Design & manufacture

Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
Sala
Designer · Candidate
Oliviero Bergomi
Manufacturer · Documented
Isotta Fraschini

04 / INDIVIDUAL HISTORY

Chassis & provenance

Chassis 1679
Chassis number
1679
Engine number
1679
Year
1931

06 / EVENTS & AWARDS

Events & awards

No events or documented awards are currently recorded for this vehicle.

08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE

Archive

No publishable archival references are currently catalogued for this vehicle.

THE CONVERSATION

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