Isotta Fraschini Logo

Isotta Fraschini was born in Milan in 1900 through the joint efforts of Cesare Isotta and the Fraschini brothers – Vincenzo, Antonio, and Oreste. Initially known for its luxury cars and powerful aircraft engines, the firm carved a niche for itself among the elite. In the 1910s and 1920s, the automaker’s name became synonymous with luxury and power, especially with famous models such as the Tipo 8 and Monterosa, which were often customized to suit the tastes of royalty and high society.

During the interwar 1930s and 1940s, the company continued to create exclusive luxury cars, producing exceptional models such as the Flying Star and 8C Monterosa. However, production remained fairly limited, with only a few hundred examples produced per year. Despite its success in this niche, the post-World War II era presented Isotta Fraschini’s automobile company with challenges. Although aircraft engine production continued to be successful, the company produced only a small number of automobiles in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

A significant shift occurred in 1955 when Isotta Fraschini merged with engine manufacturer Breda Motori. The combined Isotta Fraschini-Breda company specializes mainly in boat and aircraft engines. This turn marked the end of an era of luxury car production: in 1954, the company produced its last car, the Monterosa SS Coupe.

Today, Isotta Fraschini is known primarily for its luxurious and powerful automobiles of the early 20th century and its formidable aircraft engines. Although the company has existed for more than half a century, it has never regained the illustrious status it once enjoyed in the production of luxury cars.