First and last Isotta Fraschinis to decorate Pebble Beach lawn

| 18 Jul 2017

Two cars book-ending the entire production run of Isotta Fraschini are expected to take part in this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, thanks to renowned Italian collector Corrado Lopresto. 

The Isotta enthusiast first discovered his passion for the marque as a young boy, while playing in the back of his uncle’s example. He went on to buy several significant models from the firm’s history, while his garage near Milan houses the marque’s complete factory archives. 

Among his collection are two highly important models – the very first prototype, dating from 1901, and the last Isotta Fraschini chassis ever built, a Boneschi-bodied car from 1948. 

1947 Isotta Fraschini 8C Monterosa Touring Coupé

The first Isotta Fraschini was built in 1901 and was given to Henry Ford after the US industrialist entered discussions to purchase the company. The deal fell through, but the car remained in the Henry Ford Museum before eventually being bought by Lopresto in 2013. Ever the pragmatist, Lopresto had a removable floor and seat fitted so that he could drive the car in the 2015 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.

1948 Isotta Fraschini 8C Monterosa Boneschi Cabriolet

Lopresto first set eyes on the final Isotta chassis produced after travelling to Rome in 1998. The Boneschi car was in the company of a 1947 Monterosa coupé built by Touring. Following years of negotiation, he bought them both. 

“I like the charm and grandeur that has always accompanied every Isotta Fraschini car,” said Lopresto. “Each one is so unique.”

Click here for more information