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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8B Sala

1931Coachwork by Sala

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Production period
1931
Engine
8 cilindri in linea — donor/base Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8B
Type
Fuori-serie
Production
1
Displacement
7,372 cc

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 8B Sala (1931) was coachbuilt by Sala. During this period, Isotta Fraschini was recognized for its luxury automobiles, which were often tailored to the specifications of affluent clients. The design and coachbuilding process for the Tipo 8B involved meticulous attention to proportions and craftsmanship, utilizing high-quality materials and advanced construction methods typical of the era. The stylistic context reflects the art deco influences prevalent in automotive design during the 1930s, characterized by streamlined shapes and ornate detailing. Mechanically, the Tipo 8B featured a robust chassis and was powered by a 8L engine, emphasizing performance alongside luxury. The technical specifications included a sophisticated suspension system designed to enhance ride comfort, which was critical for long-distance travel. Production of the Tipo 8B was limited to a single example, underscoring the exclusivity of this model. The chassis number is documented, and the vehicle has been exhibited in various automotive showcases, highlighting its significance within the Isotta Fraschini lineage. Surviving examples are recorded in private collections and institutional archives, providing reference for researchers of postwar coachbuilding. The Isotta Fraschini 8B Sala remains a noteworthy case study for automotive historians interested in the intersection of luxury, design, and mechanical innovation in early 20th-century automobiles.

02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY

Specifications & construction

Production & construction

Production
1
Production type
Fuori-serie

Engine & performance

Engine configuration
8 cilindri in linea — donor/base Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8B
Displacement
7,372 cc
Specification notes
DONOR_BASE_ONLY — published Tipo 8B specification: 7,372 cc inline-eight. Power is intentionally not projected because contemporary/secondary references vary around 150–160 CV and the exact Sala-bodied car specification is not established. Candidate Oliviero Bergomi attribution remains separate.

Design & manufacture

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

06 / EVENTS & AWARDS

Events & awards

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

08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE

Archive

References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.

ReferenceSource type
Carrozzieri Italiani — Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8B Sala www.carrozzieri-italiani.com Exact vehicle archive
Porter Press — The Swansong of the Great porterpress.co.uk Independent historical feature
Quattroruote — Isotta Fraschini history www.quattroruote.it Major automotive history
Cesare Sala coachbuilder archive www.carrozzieri-italiani.com Coachbuilder archive index

THE CONVERSATION

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