1912 Isotta-Fraschini Tipo PM Roadster
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Pavesi & Crespi
Chassis no. 3614
Engine no. 3614
6,082cc Sidevalve Inine-Four
Single Updraft Carburetor
Estimated 100bhp
3-Speed Manual Gearbox, Chain Final Drive
Solid Front Axle, Live Rear Axle, Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs
Rear Wheel Mechanical Brakes

* One of an estimated three survivors
*Second in Class at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
*Rarely seen Italian coachbuilder
*Finely preserved restoration
*Recent engine, transmission, and magneto rebuilds

THE ISOTTA-FRASCHINI

Just as Rolls-Royce was to Britain and Hispano-Suiza was to France, Isotta-Fraschini was Italy's prestige car, and all three rival firms fought for the claim of 'best car in the world'. Founded in Milan in 1898 by partners Cesare Isotta and Vincenzo Fraschini, Isotta-Fraschini began as Renault agents, exhibiting the first car of its own, a single-cylinder, 5hp voiturette, at the 1901 Milan Expo. A twin-cylinder model was on offer in 1902, which was quickly followed by a range of four-cylinder cars, modeled after the Mercedes line. Designer Giustino Cattaneo arrived in 1905, and he would be responsible for all of the company's cars up to 1933. Cattaneo's first designs were four-cylinder models, one of which formed the basis of Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin's first 'Aston Martin' special of 1914. Production expanded and by 1906 Isotta-Fraschini was second only to FIAT among Italian manufacturers, albeit a long way behind with 300 cars built compared to the 1,800 of its Turin-based rival.

In collaboration with Vincenzo's brother, Oreste Fraschini, Cattaneo devised an ingenious mechanism that enabled drum brakes to be mounted on the front axle, which was first shown at the Paris Salon in 1910. Despite public skepticism, Isotta introduced front-wheel brakes on some of its production cars for 1911, and by 1914 they were standard on its larger models, making Isotta-Fraschini the first motor manufacturer to produce a commercially viable four-wheel braking system. A bewildering variety of models numbering almost 40 was produced up the World War I, including a handful of advanced racers powered by overhead-camshaft 16-valve engines.

The company was soon making a name for itself in competition and would continue to enjoy success for many years. In June 1902 Oreste Fraschini took 2nd place in the Sassi-Superga hill climb while five years later the marque scored a resounding victory in the tough Coppa Florio race and won the Briarcliff Trophy. In 1908 Isotta-Fraschini won the Briarcliff again and took second place in the prestigious Vanderbilt Cup. Further victories were achieved at Lowell, Long Island and Savannah, and Isottas were the highest-placed four-cylinder racers in the Coupe des Voiturettes. In 1913 three Isotta-Fraschinis were entered in the Indianapolis 500 race, becoming the first cars with four-wheel brakes to compete in that event. Records show that among the Isotta-Fraschini drivers in 1920 was a young Italian named Enzo Ferrari.

THE CAR OFFERED

Many of today's enthusiasts associate the grand, Classic Era Tipo 8 with the Italian marque, and the car offered here is one of the Tipo 8's illustrious ancestors - the Tipo PM - a 6.0-litre four-cylinder sidevalve model equipped with chain final drive. Reliable, stylish and quick, like all its maker's creations, Tipo PM was produced from 1911 to 1912 with only 60 chassis built, of which it is estimated that a mere three survive. Chassis number '3614' carries two-seat roadster coachwork by Carrozzeria Pavesi & Crespi of Milan, an established carriage-maker that bodied its first automobile around 1900. The firm only existed for a dozen more years and examples of its work are extremely rare.

This Tipo PM was purchased in December 1986 from one Edward Lucas Ferris II by Roger J 'Joe' Locey of Chardon, Ohio. In 2001 Locey sold '3614' to noted brass car collector, Richard King. Documents relating to these changes of ownership are on file together with a State of California Certificate of Title. An extensive restoration was carried out circa 2011/2012, returning the original coachwork to the chassis. Immediately following its restoration, this beautiful Isotta-Fraschini took second in class at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

The consignor acquired the Isotta at Bonhams' Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale in June 2015 (Lot 381). Since then, the car has been dated by the VCC as 1912. Additionally, the owner has since had both the engine and transmission rebuilt, as well as the rare twin-spark magneto so that it can be used for tours and events. There are invoices on file for the aforementioned work and general maintenance from Historic Vehicle Restorations Ltd. Used for a few hundred shakedown miles since the work's completion, this splendid Edwardian Isotta is said to be running well and is a most enjoyable early example from this prestigious Italian maker.

The condition report is comprised of a range of photos intended to show the cosmetic condition of the vehicle. This is not an engineers or mechanics report. If you would like to attend the sale to see the car in person or send a third party to inspect on your behalf, please contact the Motorcar Department.




For Condition Images, please use the below link:




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If you have any further questions about this lot or would like to discuss the vehicle in more detail, please contact the consigning Specialist for this lot at the details below:




Malcolm Barber
+44 20 7468 8238
malcolm.barber@bonhamscars.com