Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8C Monterosa

Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8C Monterosa
Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8C Monterosa Boneschi Cabriolet 1948
Overview
Manufacturer	Isotta Fraschini
Production	3-6
Model years	1947–1949
Assembly	Milan, Italy
Designer	Fabio Rapi Aurelio Lampredi
Body and chassis
Class	Luxury car
Layout	RR layout
Powertrain
Engine	OHV, OHC, 2.5-liter V-8 OHV, OHC, 3.0 liter V-8 OHV, OHC, 3.4 liter V-8
Dimensions
Wheelbase	122 in (3,099 mm)
Curb weight	3,190 lb (1,450 kg)
Chronology
Predecessor	Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8B

The Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8C Monterosa was a prototype car, designed in secret during World War II,^[1] of which between three and six were manufactured by Isotta Fraschini.

The Tipo 8C Monterosa cars were built between 1947 and 1949. The model was designed for resumption of normal industrial activity of Isotta Fraschini, after the break due to the Second World War during which the car manufacturer converted its own production for war purposes.^[2]

Description

1949 Isotta Fraschini 8C Monterosa

The Tipo 8C Monterosa is equipped with a rear mounted 3,400 cc V8, rear-wheel drive controlled by a five-speed gearbox.^[1] The engine develops an output of 125 hp (93 kW) and is capable of propelling the car to a top speed of 170 km/h (106 mph), with an average consumption of 15 litres per 100 kilometres (19 mpg_‑imp; 16 mpg_‑US). The engine, gearbox, and differential were combined in a single block constructed from a special light-metal alloy.

The chassis is cross-platform and supports the front wheel independent, transverse arms swinging, resilient rubber and hydraulic shock absorbers, while at the rear, independent suspension with hydraulic shock absorbers and longitudinal and transverse elements with elastic rubber. The brakes are four-wheel hydraulic drums. Hydraulic jacks activated from the dashboard were in all four wheel wells.

Unveiling and failure

Official presentation of the 1947–1948 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8C Monterosa took place on October 1947 at the Paris Motor Show in the Grand Palais.^[3] The "Monterosa" represented the swan song of the prestigious Milanese brand and did not reach the production stage. The chassis pre-built series were set up for a 4-door sedan by Zagato, a two-door sedan by Touring and convertibles by Boneschi. All versions had 6 seats. [1]. This attempt to resurrect a model of automotive superiority was a complete failure. Only repeated restructuring of Isotta Fraschini's holding company made it possible to maintain its Italian plants and preserve a pair of prototypes to this day (one black coupe with a sunroof, and one two tone white and dark blue convertible).

References