• Offered from The Timeless Collection
• Awarded Best in Show at InterClassics Maastricht in January 2024
• Formerly owned by noted enthusiasts Paul Cofrancesco and Bernard Berman
• Beautifully appointed Castagna coachwork
• Marvellous older restoration with wonderful fine details

Please note this car is offered without registration papers, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction.

Veuillez noter que cette voiture est proposée sans papiers d'immatriculation, les enchérisseurs doivent s'assurer des conditions d'immatriculation dans leur propre juridiction.

Few Classic Era automobiles have the prestige and presence of the eight-cylinder Isotta Fraschini, and its superb, Swiss watch-like engineering is only enhanced by the elaborately detailed and configured coachwork by Castagna found on this example. A transformable cabriolet with side windows that disappear within hinged inner door panels, it was originally delivered by Ugo d’Annunzio’s Isotta Motors in New York City, reportedly to the son of a prominent newspaperman.

The car was acquired later in the 1930s by Paul Cofrancesco of Connecticut, an early appreciator of Isotta Fraschinis who accumulated four very special examples, which he quietly maintained for decades. In 1973 the cars were acquired from Mr. Cofrancesco by the partnership of popular tenor and automobile enthusiast, Sergio Franchi, and Anthony Pascucci. Mr. Pascucci dealt chassis number 1585 to Charles LeMaitre of Hardwick, Massachusetts, who sold it to the well-known collector Bernard Berman of Pennsylvania, who would own it for many years. In 2008 it was acquired for the present collection, where it has continued to be preserved; in 2013 it was shown at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. In January 2024, the car was exhibited at InterClassics Maastricht, where it was awarded the coveted Best in Show prize.

Today the Isotta exhibits some signs of age in the engine compartment, but is otherwise in attractive older restored condition, and full of the wonderful fine touches one expects from Castagna coachwork—including articulated wing windows, the aforementioned elaborate folding side windows, and marvellous inlaid interior woodwork. There is even a fascinating system for directing the chauffeur, with buttons lighting dashboard signals to “Go Home,” “Turn Around,” etc. It is a feast for the eyes!

Please note this car will be taken to Nieuw-Vennep in the Netherlands immediately following the sale, and onward transport will need to be arranged from there.

Veuillez noter que cette voiture sera transportée à Nieuw-Vennep, aux Pays-Bas, immédiatement après la vente, et que le transport ultérieur devra être organisé depuis cette adresse.

To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/pa24/.