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71 - c. 1915 – Isotta Fraschini Tipo PCS Torpedo
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Estimate €65,000 - €90,000
Sale commission
Description
c. 1915 – Isotta Fraschini Tipo PCS Torpedo Chassis no. 4692 Vehicle sold without registration documents Vehicle sold without a roadworthiness test ‘Isotta-Fraschini cars are rare on the market. What can one say about this unique PCS, formerly owned by Count Lurani?’   Cesare Isotta and Vincenzo Fraschini went into partnership in 1899 with a view to importing French engines and cars into Italy. By 1900, with business going well, the first cars to bear their name (renovated and re-badged Renaults!) were brought to market. It was not until 1904 that the first genuine Isotta-Fraschini models appeared, inspired by the large, chain-driven 4-cylinder Mercedes cars. As Italy’s second-largest car manufacturer after Fiat, the brand went through a lean period and was on the verge of being taken over by Lorraine-Dietrich, before regaining its independence in 1909. In 1911, Isotta-Fraschini was one of the first manufacturers in the world to offer four-wheel brakes as standard.   The car featured on these pages is an intriguing and extremely rare PCS, long thought to date from 1915. It may in fact be earlier, given the absence of front brakes, even though we know that the introduction of four-wheel brakes came later on the brand’s larger-engined models. Indeed, under the bonnet of our Isotta lies a 4-cylinder side-valve engine with a displacement of over 7 litres, bearing the number 711. Similarly, whilst its bodywork is undoubtedly original (woodwork and aluminium panels), the wings appear more modern. But it was indeed in this form, and in fine condition, that Corrado Cupellini—a renowned Italian collector, racing driver and enthusiast of historic sports cars, originally from Bergamo, a hunter of lost treasures and an unrivalled dealer— discovered it in the USA in the early 1980s, before importing it to Italy. He has, in fact, recently published a book recounting his finest discoveries, *SuperFinds*, in which our Isotta features.   In Italy, it was another great collector from the very beginning – a former engineer, racing driver and journalist, the indispensable Count Giovanni Lurani – who acquired it and added it to his incredible collection. The founder of Scuderia Ambrosiana, the driving force behind Formula Junior, and the man behind the legendary record-breaking Nibbio cars, kept this imposing Isotta until 1989, when he sold it at auction and it became part of Luigi Rendo’s collection.    The Isotta-Fraschini was the Italian prestige car, just as Rolls-Royce was in Britain and Hispano-Suiza in France. They were all rivals, and each laid claim to the title of ‘best car in the world’. Production was phenomenal; on the eve of the First World War, Isotta Fraschini had produced nearly 40 different models, with an enviable record of sporting success. This PCS appears to be the sole surviving example of the model, and its history, along with its time in major collections, make it a first-class vehicle.   In 2019, the Isotta PCS joined a major French collection, and it was decided to strip it down, notably to remove the guilloché finish from the aluminium, which, whilst very attractive, did not appear to be original. Since then, the chrome parts have been re-chromed and new wheels have been fitted. The car is complete, with all parts present, but it will need to be reassembled before being repainted. This pre-First World War Isotta would indeed look stunning in a dark colour, perhaps with slimmer wings. Who will complete this incredible restoration?
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About the sale Autoworld 2026 | Auction & Motion
Auction location
Auction time 10/10/2026 at 3:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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