The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
After the Second World War, Isotta Fraschini attempts a return to automotive production with the 8C Monterosa, heir to the pre-war Tipo 8. The new model is presented in 1947 and is distinguished by the unusual design with a cantilevered rear engine. Between 1947 and 1949 5 prototypes are completed, with bodies made by Zagato, Touring and Boneschi, but the model is too expensive and will never go into production.
The Isotta Fraschini 8C Monterosa Zagato official presentation took place on October 1947 at the Paris Motor Show in the Grand Palais. The “Monterosa” represented the swan song of the prestigious Milanese brand and did not reach the production stage. The chassis pre-built series were set up for 2 4-door sedan (one by Touring and this by Zagato), a two-door sedan by Touring and convertibles by Boneschi. All versions had 6 seats. This attempt to resurrect a model of automotive superiority was a complete failure. Only repeated restructuring of Isotta Fraschini’s holding company made it possible to maintain its Italian plants and preserve a pair of prototypes to this day (one black coupe with a sunroof, and one two tone white and dark blue convertible). The Isotta Fraschini 8C Monterosa Zagato was a failed attempt to resurrect a prestigious brand which was an important milestone in the history of the italian car history.
The car with which Zagato inaugurated the “Panoramica” series in 1947 was a Fiat “1100”, characterized by a large and bright passenger compartment, in which the transparent surfaces were expertly made with a mix of crystal and Plexiglas, an experimental material that allowed the curvature.
