1930 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A S Roadster

Isotta Fraschini vividly captures all the enchanting grandeur of a bygone era, when luxury marques collaborated with coachbuilders who were among the greatest artists of their time. This numbers-matching original engine, body and chassis 1930 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A S Roadster, custom-bodied by the incomparable Carrozzeria Castagna, is one of those rare survivors. Fraschini produced fewer than 2,500 cars in its brief history; only 950 Tipo 8As were completed from 1925 to 1931.

Delivery plate on the driver's dash confirms it was delivered new to Isotta Motors of New York City. Known ownership traces through Mrs. Sterling Linder-Davis of Cleveland, Thomas B.

Wolf of Winnetka, and then into the collection of D. Cameron Peck — one of the largest classic car collections in the world until he auctioned it in 1951. It then passed to James S.

Howard, Joe Loecy Jr. of Chardon, Ohio (for 25 years), and finally to Al Ferrara of Gate Mills, Ohio in 1984, who restored it and earned First Prize and Senior Badge #1280 at the Michigan Grand Classic. A multi-year meticulous restoration followed under Walt Bender, with the original engine completely rebuilt, stunning burgundy paint applied, and the interior expertly conducted by Tailored Trim of New Philadelphia, Ohio.

The Grand Rapids Classics Auto Museum became the next caretaker in the fall of 2023. Among its unique features: the only known example with a beltline that dips and flows to the rear; one of only three cars with its distinctive extruding tube-shaped bumpers with wing tips; and a rare triple concentric teardrop radiator stone guard. Robed in burgundy with a black fender line, chrome wheels, and magnificent German silver and woodwork throughout.