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Isotta Fraschini
Isotta Fraschini
Isotta Fraschini
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Isotta Fraschini (Italian pronunciation: [iˈzɔtta fraˈskiːni]) is an Italian luxury car manufacturer, also producing trucks, as well as engines for marine and aviation use. Founded in Milan, Italy, in 1900 by Cesare Isotta and the brothers Vincenzo, Antonio, and Oreste Fraschini, in 1955 it was merged with engine manufacturer Breda Motori and renamed F.A. Isotta Fraschini e Motori Breda.

Key Information

History

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The firm was named for its founders, Cesare Isotta and Vincenzo Fraschini, who had been importing Mors and Renault automobiles as well as Aster proprietary engines since 1899.[1] The company they founded as Società Milanese Automobili Isotta, Fraschini & C. on 27 January 1900 had the stated purpose to "Import, sell, repair cars". Prior to establishing their own products in 1904, Isotta and Fraschini assembled cars very similar to Renaults, with Aster engines. They differed from the real Renaults in having a neater underslung front radiator arrangement.[2]

The first automobile bearing this marque featured a four-cylinder engine with an output of 24 horsepower (18 kW). The car, driven by Vincenzo Fraschini, appeared in several races. In 1905, Isotta Fraschini gained notoriety in the Coppa Florio, where they entered a Tipo D with a 17.2-litre (1,050 cu in) 100 horsepower (75 kW) engine. For a short time in 1907, Isotta Fraschini merged with French automobile company Lorraine-Dietrich. The firm started making race cars using this same 100 horsepower (75 kW) engine, establishing the company's reputation and giving its name considerable cachet. It was also one of the first companies to successfully market cars with four-wheel brakes, following their invention by Arrol-Johnston of Scotland in 1909.[3] They were also among the early pioneers of overhead cam (OHC), with an engine designed by Giustino Cattaneo.[4] Isotta Fraschini introduced their Tipo 8, the first production automobile to be powered by a straight-eight engine, at the Paris Salon in 1919[5] and began delivering them to customers in 1920.[6]

With the growth of the wealthy middle class in North America in the 1920s, Isotta Fraschini marketed deluxe limousines to the new American aristocracy. Early film stars Clara Bow and Rudolph Valentino drove Isotta Fraschinis. A 1929 Tipo 8A Castagna Transformable is featured in the 1950 film Sunset Boulevard[7] and another appears in the 1934 film Death Takes a Holiday with Fredric March. An Isotta Fraschini also makes a featured appearance in the 1946 film Without Reservations with John Wayne and Claudette Colbert. Also, an Isotta Fraschini was gigolo Lindsay Marriott's car in Raymond Chandler's book Farewell, My Lovely (1940) that was made into the motion picture Murder, My Sweet (1944), starring Dick Powell and Claire Trevor. The grille of the Isotta Fraschini with the lightning bolt insignia is seen parked in a ravine, right before Douglas Walton's character Lindsay Marriott is killed. An oversized Isotta Fraschini is also the vehicle of choice for Dick and Nicole Diver in F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1933 novel Tender is the Night.

Seriously affected by the economic crisis of the 1930s and by the disruptions of World War II, Isotta Fraschini stopped making cars after the war (1949). Only five of the last model, the Monterosa, were produced. The plants were converted to produce marine engines.

The company was left on the company register and in 1955 it was merged with engine manufacturer Breda Motori and named F.A. Isotta Fraschini e Motori Breda. The company started to produce trolley buses again and in the 1960s built a new diesel engine factory in Bari. In the 1980s, the company was renamed Isotta Fraschini Motori SpA and it became part of the Fincantieri group, with administrative headquarters in the old factory in Bari.

In the 1990s, attempts to revive the automotive industry of Isotta Fraschini were made. Concept-car coupe and roadster Isotta Fraschini T8 were built in 1996, and concept-car roadster Isotta Fraschini T12 was built in 1998. The company never went into production and closed for bankruptcy in 1999.

Today

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The marque was revived in 2022, and a new car was designed from scratch to compete in sports car racing, initially including the centenary edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, under ACO Hypercar rules.[8] The car, eventually named the Tipo 6 LMH-C, was designed by Michelotto Engineering [it] (a long-standing Ferrari motorsport partner) with aerodynamic input from Williams Advanced Engineering.[9]

World Endurance Championship

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Isotta Fraschini had initially planned for a 2023 debut of the Tipo 6 LMH-C in the FIA World Endurance Championship at the 6 Hours of Spa, partnering with the British team Vector Sport.[10] This debut was pushed back first to the 8 Hours of Bahrain due to the car's production running behind schedule,[11] eventually debuting at the 2024 Qatar 1812 km,[12] being run by Duqueine Team, as Vector Sport had dropped out due to alleged contract breaches by Isotta Fraschini, who in turn cited "economic factors" for the split.[13]

Tipo 6 LMH-C at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps during the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship

The Tipo 6 LMH Pista was presented at Paul Ricard, and completed laps with the GT1 Sports Club session as part of the 1000 km of Paul Ricard weekend.[14] Both the Competizione and Pista variants took part in pre-race demos at the 2023 6 Hours of Monza weekend, wherein it was also announced that the car would not be racing at the Bahrain weekend.[15][16]

In its inaugural season in the World Endurance Championship, the car was driven by Carl Bennett, Antonio Serravalle, and 2013 24 Hours of Le Mans Pro-Am winner Jean-Karl Vernay.[17]

The brand competed in five races, and finished only three, before withdrawing from the 2024 World Endurance Championship season prior to the 2024 Lone Star Le Mans due to disputes with Duqueine Team. Its highest finish was at Le Mans, placing fourteenth, and scored no points during the season.[18] Michelotto stressed that the Hypercar programme had not ended and that they were optimistic that two cars would be entered in the 2025 season,[19] which ultimately did not materialize.[20]

Active economic entities

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  • Intrepida Fides, The Isotta Fraschini Foundation, acronym coined by Gabriele D'Annunzio, with registered office in Milan
  • Isotta Fraschini Milano s.r.l., with registered office in Milan, active in the field of vehicles, as well as production and marketing of luxury goods
  • Isotta Fraschini Motori S.p.A.: with registered office in Bari. An engineering firm specializing in diesel products, particularly marine engines, industrial engines, and rail traction engines, but also providing civil and military engineering products and services. The company is part of Fincantieri group. The company produces propulsion and generation systems, used in US Navy littoral fast attack surface ships and yachts. The L1306 T3, V 1312 T3, VL 1716 T2 T3 and GE COLZA V 1312 T3 generation systems produce between 200 kW and 3,000 kW. The largest of these generators are used in the Freedom class of Littoral Combat Ships.

Racing record

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24 Hours of Le Mans results

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Year Entrant No. Car Drivers Class Laps Pos. Class
Pos.
2024 Italy Isotta Fraschini 11 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 6 LMH-C Thailand Carl Bennett
Canada Antonio Serravalle
France Jean-Karl Vernay 		Hypercar 302 14th 14th

Aero-engines

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Vehicles

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Passenger cars

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Racing cars

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Trucks/buses

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  • D80 1934–1955
  • D65 1940–1955

Trolleybuses

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  • Vincenzo Trucco won the 1908 Targa Florio with Isotta Fraschini type I.
    Vincenzo Trucco won the 1908 Targa Florio with Isotta Fraschini type I.
  • AN 20/30 (1909)
    AN 20/30 (1909)
  • KM4 Tourer (1913)
    KM4 Tourer (1913)
  • D80 (left) and D65 (right)
    D80 (left) and D65 (right)
  • Tipo 8 Sala Phaeton
    Tipo 8 Sala Phaeton
  • Tipo 8A S LeBaron Boattail Roadster (1928)
    Tipo 8A S LeBaron Boattail Roadster (1928)
  • Tipo 8A Castagna Imperial Landaulet (1928)
    Tipo 8A Castagna Imperial Landaulet (1928)
  • Tipo 8C Monterosa Boneschi Cabriolet Prototype (1948)
    Tipo 8C Monterosa Boneschi Cabriolet Prototype (1948)

See also

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References

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Further reading

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Isotta Fraschini

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from Grokipedia
Isotta Fraschini is an Italian engineering company renowned for its luxury automobiles, and marine engines, and recent ventures into endurance , founded on January 27, 1900, in by Cesare Isotta and brothers , , and Oreste Fraschini as Società Milanese Automobili Isotta Fraschini & C. Initially focused on importing, selling, and repairing foreign vehicles such as Renaults, the firm transitioned to assembling cars under license and developing in-house components by 1904, when it was renamed Isotta Fraschini S.p.A. Milano. The company achieved prominence in the automotive world through its pioneering innovations and opulent designs, becoming one of Europe's premier luxury marques in the . It was among the first to introduce four-wheel brakes in production cars in , enhancing safety and performance. Isotta Fraschini's breakthrough came with the 1919 Tipo 8, the first production automobile powered by a , which set a benchmark for smoothness and power in luxury motoring. Subsequent models like the Tipo 8A () and Tipo 8B () epitomized Italian elegance and engineering excellence, featuring advanced features such as hydraulic shock absorbers and servo-assisted brakes, and attracting celebrity owners including actor , who commissioned custom coachwork by for his 1927 8A S roadster. These vehicles, often bodied by prestigious firms like , symbolized status and sophistication, competing with brands such as and Rolls-Royce. World War II profoundly impacted the company, as it shifted production from automobiles to aircraft and marine engines for military use, ceasing car manufacturing in 1934 and merging with in 1955 to focus on industrial applications. A postwar attempt at revival produced the innovative Tipo 8C Monterosa prototype in 1947, a modern V8-powered , of which a handful (approximately four to eight) were built, but economic challenges prevented full production. In the late 1990s, brief efforts to resurrect the brand included concept cars, though none reached series production. The engine division, Isotta Fraschini Motori, operates under the Group and specializes in advanced diesel engines, technologies for maritime applications, and high-performance powertrains. Meanwhile, the automobile brand was revived in 2023 as Isotta Fraschini Milano Fabbrica Automobili, which reentered motorsport that year with the Tipo 6 LMH-C hypercar in the , though the program faced setbacks leading to a mid-2024 withdrawal; as of 2025, it has not returned to the championship.

History

Founding and Early Development (1900–1918)

Isotta Fraschini was founded on January 27, 1900, in , , by Cesare Isotta and the brothers , , and Oreste Fraschini as Società Milanese Automobili Isotta Fraschini & C., initially operating as a repair shop for imported automobiles. The company began by importing French vehicles, such as models equipped with Aster engines, and assembling them locally to meet growing demand in the Italian market. This period of assembly and repair work from 1900 to 1904 allowed the firm to gain expertise in while establishing a reputation for reliability among early Italian motorists. By 1904, Isotta Fraschini transitioned to producing its own vehicles, debuting the first original model: a 24 horsepower four-cylinder that marked the company's entry into independent and . In 1905, the firm introduced the more powerful Tipo D, featuring a 17.2-liter four-cylinder producing 100 horsepower, which achieved significant success by winning the prestigious Coppa Florio race that year. The company's efforts continued to build its profile, with Trucco securing victory in the 1908 using the Tipo I model, highlighting Isotta Fraschini's growing prowess in competitive across early European events. Key engineering advancements further solidified the company's reputation during this era. In 1909, Isotta Fraschini became one of the pioneers in adopting four-wheel brakes, a innovation that enhanced vehicle control and safety in both road and racing applications. By 1912, the firm had introduced overhead camshaft engines, improving power delivery and efficiency through advanced designed by engineer Giustino Cattaneo. As erupted, Isotta Fraschini shifted resources toward military production, beginning aero-engine manufacturing in 1916 with models like the V.4 and V.5, which powered Italian aircraft and marked the company's initial foray into aviation technology.

Luxury Car Era and Peak (1919–1949)

Following World War I, Isotta Fraschini shifted focus to luxury automobiles, launching the Tipo 8 in 1919 as its flagship model. This car featured a pioneering 5.9-liter with overhead valves, producing approximately 100 horsepower, marking the world's first production vehicle with such a configuration in quantity. The Tipo 8's robust and advanced , including a 146-inch , positioned it as a premium offering, with nearly 75% of production—peaking at around 300 units annually in the mid-1920s—exported to the , where it appealed to affluent buyers seeking European sophistication. The Tipo 8 evolved into the enhanced Tipo 8A in 1924, with production continuing through 1931 and featuring a larger 7.4-liter delivering up to 160 horsepower in its supercharged SS variant. Innovations included hydraulic shock absorbers for improved ride quality, four-wheel servo-assisted brakes for superior stopping power, and a three-speed synchromesh transmission. Priced between $9,750 for the bare chassis and up to $20,000 for fully coachbuilt examples, the Tipo 8A became a among celebrities, including actor , who owned one as a symbol of opulence. Custom bodywork elevated its exclusivity, with collaborations from renowned Italian coachbuilders such as Castagna for elegant landaulets and cabriolets, and for sportier interpretations on the Tipo 8 chassis, blending aesthetics with mechanical prowess. In total, over 1,300 Tipo 8 and 8A units were produced, underscoring the model's market dominance in the luxury segment during . The Tipo 8B, introduced in 1931 as a refined iteration, retained the 7.4-liter engine but was detuned to around 130 horsepower for European markets to comply with tax and performance regulations, while maintaining luxury features like servo brakes. Production waned amid the , which curtailed U.S. exports and overall demand. further devastated operations, with Allied bombings damaging the factories in 1943, halting automotive manufacturing. Postwar efforts yielded the Tipo 8C Monterosa in 1947, a forward-looking prototype with a 3.5-liter aluminum producing 140 horsepower and aerodynamic coachwork by firms like Touring and ; only five units were built before 1951, failing to revive car production due to economic challenges, leading to a full pivot away from passenger vehicles by 1949.

Post-War Transition to Engines (1950–2010)

Following the end of , Isotta Fraschini faced severe economic challenges in Italy's devastated automotive sector, leading to the cessation of passenger car production in 1949 and a strategic pivot toward marine and industrial engines to ensure survival. This transition capitalized on the company's pre-war expertise in heavy-duty powertrains, redirecting resources from luxury vehicles to diesel engines suited for maritime propulsion, power generation, and commercial applications amid reconstruction demands. In 1955, Isotta Fraschini merged with Motori of , forming F.A. Isotta Fraschini e Motori , which consolidated production facilities in and emphasized diesel engines for ships, generators, and industrial uses. The merger enabled the firm to adapt earlier truck engine designs, such as the D80 and D65 models originally introduced in , for civilian and commercial needs; these six-cylinder diesels, with outputs around 80-100 hp, continued in production until 1955, supporting heavy transport and rail-related adaptations. Additionally, the company developed rail traction motors for the Italian State Railways, providing reliable power for locomotives during the infrastructure boom. Ownership evolved significantly in the late , with the company acquired by the group in the 1980s, integrating it into a major conglomerate that bolstered engine production capabilities. By the , it was renamed Isotta Fraschini Motori , with operations centralized in , , focusing on advanced diesel technologies for global markets. applications became a cornerstone, particularly engines for vessels, where V12 diesels—such as those in the 1700 series—delivered up to 3,000 kW for propulsion and , often in shock-resistant configurations for naval roles. These engines also served broader industrial sectors, including power generation and marine auxiliary systems, enhancing the firm's diversification during the era. Amid these industrial shifts, brief and unsuccessful attempts to revive automotive production occurred in the late , including the 1996 T8 and 1998 T12 concept cars, which featured aluminum bodies and V8/V12 powertrains but failed to materialize due to financial and legal hurdles, culminating in the company's declaration in 1999. By the 2000s, under , annual output reached hundreds of units, primarily for and power generation, solidifying Isotta Fraschini's role as a specialized manufacturer rather than a full vehicle producer.

Modern Revival and Challenges (2011–Present)

In 2022, Isotta Fraschini Milano Fabbrica Automobili S.r.l. was established in to revive the historic brand's focus on luxury automobiles, distinct from the engine manufacturing operations under Fincantieri's subsidiary Isotta Fraschini Motori S.p.A. The new entity aimed to leverage the brand's legacy in high-end vehicles while the engine division continued specializing in marine, industrial, and systems. Central to the revival was the development of the Tipo 6 LMH-C, a hybrid hypercar designed for the (LMH) class, featuring a 3.0-liter producing approximately 750 horsepower combined with a front-axle adding 272 horsepower for a total output nearing 1,000 PS, all in a carbon-fiber weighing 1,030 kg. A limited-production street-legal variant, the Tipo 6 Strada, was also planned, targeting under 1,000 kg with similar hybrid performance for road use. The Tipo 6 LMH-C made its racing debut in the (WEC) at the season opener, entered by the Duqueine Team as the No. 11 car. Over five rounds—, , Spa-Francorchamps, , and —the car completed its best result of 14th overall at the , though it struggled with reliability and pace, retiring early in and due to mechanical issues. In August 2024, Isotta Fraschini announced its immediate withdrawal from the remainder of the WEC season, citing irreconcilable disputes with the Duqueine Team over operational and contractual matters, which escalated to legal proceedings. The decision halted participation at and beyond, redirecting resources amid performance shortfalls in a highly competitive field dominated by established manufacturers like , , and Ferrari. Today, the brand operates through three distinct entities: Isotta Fraschini Motori S.p.A. for engine production under , the Intrepida Fides foundation dedicated to preserving the marque's heritage and cultural legacy in , and Isotta Fraschini Milano S.r.l. for luxury development and branded goods. As of November 2025, no return to the WEC has been confirmed for 2025, with the racing program paused following the 2024 withdrawal; however, Isotta Fraschini has expressed interest in a entry to the Hypercar class starting in the 2026-27 season using the Tipo 6 LMH-C, potentially in partnership with Duqueine or others. Efforts have shifted toward expanding engine exports, including recent U.S. contracts for overhauls on Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) vessels and Littoral Ships. The revival has faced significant challenges, including financial pressures from the high costs of developing and campaigning a Hypercar program without prior endurance racing infrastructure, ongoing legal battles with the Duqueine Team, and intense market competition in the ultra-exclusive hypercar segment where newcomers struggle against brands with deeper resources and established supply chains.

Automotive Products

Passenger Cars

Isotta Fraschini's passenger car production began with the introduction of the Tipo 8 in , marking the company's entry into the luxury automobile market with a pioneering design. This model featured a 5.9-liter inline-eight overhead-valve engine producing 110 horsepower, enabling a top speed of approximately 81 mph, and was equipped with four-wheel brakes—a rarity at the time that enhanced safety and control for high-end touring. The Tipo 8's robust chassis and smooth power delivery positioned it as a competitor to elite marques like Rolls-Royce, appealing to affluent buyers seeking reliability and prestige in open tourers, limousines, and custom coachwork from renowned Italian and American bodybuilders. The Tipo 8 evolved into the more refined Tipo 8A in , which enlarged the engine to 7.4 liters and boosted output to 160 horsepower in its Super Sport variant, while standard models delivered around 115-130 horsepower. This iteration introduced advanced mechanical servo-assisted braking and a three-speed synchromesh transmission, improving drivability and allowing top speeds exceeding 85 mph. Produced until 1931, the Tipo 8A became synonymous with opulence, often bodied by firms like Castagna or , and its commanding presence on roads from to underscored Isotta Fraschini's status as a purveyor of excellence for the elite. In response to Italy's punitive engine displacement taxes during the early economic downturn, Isotta Fraschini launched the Tipo 8B in 1931 as a detuned variant of the 7.4-liter inline-eight, restricted to 100 horsepower to minimize fiscal burdens while retaining the model's luxurious and braking systems. Built in limited numbers until 1934, the Tipo 8B catered to domestic buyers preferring understated power, though its core design preserved the brand's reputation for durable, high-quality construction suitable for custom sedans and cabriolets. This model represented the twilight of Isotta Fraschini's pre-war passenger car era, with production ceasing amid shifting market demands. Post-war innovation arrived with the Tipo 8C Monterosa in 1947, an featuring a 3.5-liter overhead-valve rated at 120 horsepower, all-independent suspension for superior ride comfort, and a unibody construction that anticipated modern automotive architecture. Only five examples were completed between 1947 and 1951, including coupes and sedans bodied by Touring and , due to material shortages and financial constraints; its aerodynamic styling and advanced engineering influenced subsequent Italian designs like those from Ferrari and . The Monterosa's rarity and forward-thinking features cemented its legacy as a bridge between luxury and progress. Efforts to revive the brand in the late yielded the T8 concept in 1996, a mid-engine powered by a 4.2-liter V8 derived from components, delivering around 300 horsepower in a lightweight aluminum 2+2 spider configuration. Unveiled at the Motor Show, the T8 aimed to blend historic elegance with contemporary performance but remained unproduced due to the company's . Similarly, the T12 followed in 1998 as a 6.0-liter V12 concept generating 400 horsepower, envisioned as a four-wheel-drive with options, yet it too failed to reach production amid financial collapse. These prototypes highlighted Isotta Fraschini's ambitious vision for a luxury resurgence that ultimately eluded realization. In a more recent revival attempt, Isotta Fraschini unveiled the Tipo 6 LMH Strada in November 2023, a street-legal hybrid hypercar derived from the racing Tipo 6 LMH Competizione. Featuring a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged 90-degree V6 paired with electric motors for all-wheel drive, the Strada delivers approximately 1,000 horsepower from its 900-volt system. Weighing around 1,000 kg with a carbon fiber , it is designed for a top speed exceeding 350 km/h. Production is planned as a limited series of 12 units priced at €3.2 million each, though as of November 2025, no deliveries have been confirmed amid the company's racing program challenges. Isotta Fraschini passenger cars held significant cultural cachet, owned by Hollywood luminaries such as and , who favored their stately presence for both personal transport and public display. Restored examples frequently grace prestigious events like the Pebble Beach , where a 1924 Tipo 8A secured Best of Show honors in 2015, affirming the enduring allure of these vehicles as icons of early 20th-century glamour and innovation.

Racing Cars

Isotta Fraschini entered the world of in the early 1900s, establishing a reputation for powerful, innovative racers derived from its passenger car chassis. The Tipo D, introduced in 1905, featured a massive 17.2-liter four-cylinder producing 100 horsepower and competed in the inaugural Coppa Florio, where it demonstrated impressive reliability and speed over the demanding Sicilian roads. The car's performance helped propel the brand to early successes, including a victory in the 1907 Coppa Florio driven by Ferdinando Minoia, showcasing the engineering prowess of Isotta Fraschini's large-displacement powerplants. Building on this momentum, the company achieved further triumphs in endurance racing, most notably with Vincenzo Trucco securing the 1908 win in an Isotta Fraschini entry equipped with an advanced 8-liter engine. The Tipo KM, launched around 1910, represented a pinnacle of pre-World War I technology with its overhead-camshaft design and substantial displacement exceeding 10 liters, enabling consistent top finishes in major events. Isotta Fraschini dominated the and Coppa Florio circuits between 1907 and 1912, amassing multiple class and outright victories that solidified its status as a formidable competitor in European grand prix and hill climbs. By the end of the 1910s, the marque had secured over a dozen notable wins in international races, including strong showings in American events like the , where it claimed second place overall in 1908 behind a Locomobile. In the , Isotta Fraschini shifted emphasis toward luxury production, but continued limited efforts with modified Tipo 8 chassis in the 1920s. These straight-eight-powered machines, producing around 160 horsepower, participated in transatlantic competitions such as the revivals, though results were mixed amid increasing dominance by specialized grand prix cars. The Tipo 8A variant achieved successes in regional Italian events, including wins at the Targa in 1925 and 1926, but the company's focus on high-end road cars curtailed broader competition involvement. Post-1930, economic pressures and the pivot to aero-engine manufacturing led to minimal activity, with no significant entries until the marque's modern revival. The contemporary return to racing came with the Tipo 6 LMH Competizione, unveiled in 2023 and developed in collaboration with Italian engineering firm Michelotto to meet Hypercar regulations. This prototype features a lightweight carbon fiber weighing approximately 1,030 kg and a hybrid comprising a 3.0-liter 90-degree twin-turbocharged V6 producing around 670 horsepower, augmented by a front-axle delivering 270 horsepower from a 900-volt system. The total output is electronically limited to 500 kW (680 PS) for , enabling all-wheel drive traction in endurance formats. Fielded by Team Duqueine in the 2024 WEC season, the Tipo 6 debuted at the race but encountered immediate challenges, retiring due to a suspension failure despite promising pace. The car completed five rounds—, , Spa-Francorchamps, , and —but accumulated no championship points, plagued by recurring mechanical issues including gearbox problems, electrical faults, and crashes that forced multiple retirements. Following the event, Isotta Fraschini announced its withdrawal from the remainder of the season, citing with the team partner and a need to refocus development efforts; this marked the brand's first major racing program since sporadic post-war appearances in the , and the brand did not return for the 2025 season.

Commercial Vehicles

Isotta Fraschini entered the market in with a focus on heavy-duty trucks designed for industrial and applications. The D80, introduced in 1934, was a prominent model featuring a 7.3-liter inline-six producing 95 horsepower, enabling it to haul up to 6.5 tons. This truck remained in production until 1955, with a variant, the D80 NM, developed in 1935 for enhanced wartime logistics, including troop and supply transport during . Complementing the D80, the D65 debuted in as a more versatile option for urban and medium-haul duties, powered by a 5.3-liter four-cylinder delivering 78 horsepower. Like its predecessor, the D65 saw adaptations for military use and continued production through 1955, often bodied by coachbuilders such as for forward-control cabs that maximized cargo space. These trucks shared foundational elements with earlier passenger car designs, adapting luxury-derived for utilitarian purposes. Buses formed another key segment, utilizing D-series for reliable urban transport in Italian cities during the 1930s and 1940s. Models included hybrid configurations with components, such as diesel-powered urban buses deployed in and other municipalities, emphasizing durability for high-traffic routes. Post-war, these supported exports, including oil-engine buses to international markets like Madras in 1948. In the realm of electric vehicles, Isotta Fraschini contributed to development from the 1930s to the 1950s, producing chassis and motors for overhead-powered models. Notable examples include the TS40 articulated , introduced in 1940 for Milan's transit system, which featured innovative vertical articulation for improved maneuverability in dense urban environments; nineteen units were built between 1941 and 1942 by coachbuilder OMS on TS40 chassis. Similar designs served Rome's network, with production continuing until 1955 to meet domestic demands. Overall, Isotta Fraschini manufactured thousands of commercial vehicles, primarily for the Italian market, with significant military adaptations during that bolstered efforts. The company's output established benchmarks for diesel-powered heavy , influencing post-war standards for reliability and chassis design. Today, surviving examples, including restored D80 trucks and TS40 trolleybuses, are preserved in automotive museums, highlighting their engineering heritage.

Engine Production

Aviation Engines

Isotta Fraschini began producing engines during , entering the field in 1916 with the V.4B, a water-cooled inline-six engine delivering 150 hp at 1,350 rpm. This 14.3-liter unit powered bombers such as the Ca.36 triplane, where three engines provided propulsion for heavy bombing missions. By 1917, the company scaled production to more powerful inline-six configurations, including the V-6 model with a 16.6-liter displacement and 250 hp output, reflecting adaptations for increased aircraft performance demands. These early engines marked Isotta Fraschini's transition from automotive to aeronautical manufacturing, with over 3,000 units produced during the war and licensed to other firms for broader use. In the , the Asso series emerged as a cornerstone of Isotta Fraschini's lineup, spanning the and with innovative configurations for fighters and multi-engine . The Asso 200, a water-cooled inline-six with 14.8-liter displacement, produced 235 hp and found applications in early Italian fighters, including variants of Macchi designs. More advanced models like the Asso 750, a compact W18 layout displacing 47.1 liters and rated at 750 hp at 1,600 rpm, powered and such as the Ca.111, with over 150 units built. The supercharged Asso 750 RC35 variant boosted output to 870 hp at altitude, incorporating a single-stage centrifugal for enhanced high-altitude performance. These engines emphasized compact power delivery, with shared components across the series to streamline . During , Isotta Fraschini focused on high-performance V12 engines for advanced fighters and . The L.121 RC.40, a liquid-cooled 60° V12 with supercharging, delivered 900 hp and derived from the Asso XI series, powering prototypes like the Caproni-Campini CC.2 compressor and influencing Reggiane engine developments such as the Re.105. Complementing this, the Gamma RC.35 was an inverted air-cooled V12 displacing 19.1 liters, rated at 540 hp for lightweight and interceptor roles, including the Ambrosini SAI.107. Innovations in these engines included liquid-cooled V12 designs with single-stage superchargers for improved climb rates and early adoption of sodium-cooled exhaust valves to manage high temperatures in exhaust systems, as seen in related models like the Delta series. Production exceeded thousands of units across the series, often licensed to allies, but halted after the 1943 armistice shifted resources to marine applications.

Marine and Industrial Engines

Following , Isotta Fraschini shifted its focus to production, particularly V-type configurations for and industrial applications, with significant developments emerging after under the influence of mergers and new facilities. The company introduced robust, high-speed V-type diesels such as the V170 series, featuring 12- and 16-cylinder variants with bore sizes of 170 mm, delivering outputs ranging from approximately 1,500 kW to 2,500 kW depending on configuration. These engines, equipped with turbocharging, intercooling, and high-pressure systems up to 1,600 bar, were designed for reliability in demanding environments, including reversible operation for auxiliary propulsion in yachts and smaller vessels. For industrial use, the ID series, including models like the ID 36 SS, provided genset solutions with power outputs around 300-600 kW, suitable for power generation and rail traction, emphasizing durability and low magnetic signatures for specialized naval roles such as mine countermeasures. Isotta Fraschini's marine engines found prominent applications in naval and commercial sectors, powering Italian Navy vessels through partnerships with Fincantieri. The 16V170C2ME diesel generator, rated at 1,600 kWe at 1,200 rpm and 60 Hz, was qualified for the Navy's Pattugliatore Polivalente d'Altura (PPA) multipurpose offshore patrol vessels after accumulating over 3,700 operating hours, including 1,000 in final testing. Similarly, the VL1716C2ME series, each producing 2.1 MW, serves as auxiliary generators in the FREMM-class frigates, supporting combined diesel-electric and gas propulsion systems for enhanced maneuverability and endurance. Exports via Fincantieri extended to the US Navy, where Isotta Fraschini engines were integrated into mine countermeasure ships and other platforms under contracts awarded as early as 2004, with ongoing support for maintenance on legacy vessels. In commercial applications, these engines propel frigates, offshore support vessels, and luxury yachts, while industrial variants drive rail locomotives and stationary power plants, contributing to energy generation in remote or high-demand settings. Current production of these engines occurs at the facility in , which serves as Isotta Fraschini Motori's headquarters and primary manufacturing site, producing over 100 units annually across marine and industrial lines to meet global demand. Modern iterations comply with IMO Tier III emissions standards through advanced aftertreatment systems and fuel-efficient designs, ensuring reduced and particulate output for sustainable operations. Innovations include modular cylinder heads for simplified maintenance and accessibility, allowing quick component swaps in field conditions, as well as explorations into hybrid integrations during the , such as biofuel-compatible variants tested for reduced environmental impact in naval . In 2025, Isotta Fraschini Motori inaugurated a new at the facility for hydrogen fuel cells targeted at maritime applications, supporting the Group's sustainable initiatives. Recent contracts in the include a 2025 logistics support agreement with the for spare parts and overhaul of V1312 and similar engines on legacy fleets, alongside deliveries for offshore support vessels and enhanced PPA units, underscoring the company's role in Fincantieri's green initiatives.

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