Lot 641: Isotta-Fraschini Tipo 8A 7.4 litre Engine – Part Complete

Chief Engineer, Giustino Cattaneo, focused on a one model policy for Isotta-Fraschini in the 1920’s, launching the world’s first production straight-eight motor car, the Tipo 8, in 1920. This mirrored the then current one-model policy of Rolls-Royce in England. The early Isotta engines featured push-rod operated, overhead valves and had a capacity of 5.9 litres. Manufacturing standards were of the highest order, 80hp was produced and sophisticated, mechanical, servo-operated, four-wheel brakes were a modern luxury.

The Tipo 8A, announced in 1925 was still more sophisticated with a larger, 7,372cc engine, vacuum-assisted braking and was offered in three different engine specifications, the Spinto and Superspinto developing a massive 150hp. The 8A was unashamedly expensive and Isotta-Fraschini controlled with care a select list of favoured customers.

This engine comprises major components including cylinder head, cylinder block, valves (one missing), pistons and connecting rods, crankshaft, camshaft and flywheel. The pistons are numbers B430 inside the piston and 59477 on the crown. The conrods are stamped 1092. This lot is sold strictly as viewed.