THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Production period
- 1928
- Body style
- Limousine d'Orsay
- Chassis
- 1464
- Engine
- Inline-8
- Type
- Fuori-serie
- 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 Tipo 8A Limousine D’Orsay Farina, chassis number 1464, is a spectacular example of 1920s automotive luxury, elegance, and engineering prowess. This specific vehicle was commissioned by Sir Arthur Brown in Rome, a clear indication of the prestige that came with owning such a rare and highly coveted automobile during the roaring twenties. On April 24, 1928, this grand limousine, equipped with the refined craftsmanship of Stabilimenti Farina‘s coachbuilding, was sold. The Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A was one of the most powerful and luxurious cars of its time. It was powered by an 8-cylinder, 7.3-liter engine, making it capable of smooth, high-speed touring. The chassis 1464, in particular, was graced with a “Limousine d’Orsay” body, designed and crafted by the famed Italian coachbuilder Farina. This design epitomized elegance, with its elongated, sweeping lines and opulent interior. The Limousine d’Orsay style, characterized by its fully enclosed passenger compartment with a distinct separation between the chauffeur and the occupants, offered unparalleled luxury. The passenger cabin was exquisitely appointed, featuring fine materials such as polished wood, sumptuous upholstery, and intricate detailing, which catered to the tastes of the most discerning clientele. The chauffeur, in contrast, was seated in an open compartment, emphasizing the status of those riding in the rear. Stabilimenti Farina applied meticulous attention to detail and Italian craftsmanship in the creation of this bodywork. The Isotta Fraschini marque itself was synonymous with wealth and high society, competing directly with the likes of Rolls-Royce and Hispano-Suiza for the favor of the world’s elite. Chassis 1464 represents more than just a vehicle; it symbolizes a bygone era of grand luxury automobiles, where elegance, power, and exclusivity merged into one remarkable creation. Today, the Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Limousine Dorsay Farina remains a timeless testament to Italian design and engineering excellence.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production
- 1
- Production type
- Fuori-serie
- Body & configuration · Legacy attribution
- Dorsay
Engine & performance
- Engine configuration
- Inline-8
Design & manufacture
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Stabilimenti Farina
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Isotta Fraschini
04 / INDIVIDUAL HISTORY
Chassis & provenance
Chassis 1464
- Chassis number
- 1464
- Year
- 1928
06 / EVENTS & AWARDS
Events & awards
No events or documented awards are currently recorded for this vehicle.
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery 1 photographs
08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE
Archive
References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.
| Reference | Source type |
|---|---|
| Carrozzieri Italiani — Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Limousine d'Orsay Farina www.carrozzieri-italiani.com | Exact vehicle archive |
| Archivio Targhe — Isotta Fraschini chassis register archiviotarghe.it | Independent registration archive |
| Carrozzieri Italiani — When the World's Most Expensive Car Was Italian www.carrozzieri-italiani.com | Historical synthesis |











THE CONVERSATION
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