Some Castagna Isotta Fraschinis

In every automotive era except during and shortly after world wars, super-luxury / super-prestige cars were produced.  Around 1930 those marques included, among others, Duesenberg in the United States, Rolls-Royce and Daimler in Britain, Maybach in Germany, Hispano-Suiza in France, and Minerva in Belgium.

And for Italy there was Isotta Fraschini.  Its English language Wikipedia entry was not very useful at the time this post was drafted, so I suggest the Italian entry here or perhaps the French version, and have your computer translate.  Isottas from around 1930 were all equipped with custom-made bodies, and a leading supplier was carrozzeria Castagna conveniently based near Isotta Fraschini in Milan.  Its Italian Wikipedia entry is here.

Below are images of Castagna-built Isottas from that time.  The cars had in-line eight cylinder motors and their hoods were extremely long. With the exception of a 1933 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Dual Cowl Sports Tourer (not shown, but link here), Castagna bodies for Isotta I found on the Internet were basically conventional, but attractively styled.

An interesting Isotta Fraschini feature was the various (usually) Art Deco type chromed designs laid atop the grilles.  Some appeared on more than one car, others might have been unique.  Perhaps a knowledgeable reader can provide some background information in a comment.

Gallery

1928 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A "Commodore" Roadster Cabriolet by Castagna, RM Sotheby's photo.

Same car, rear 3/4 view.

1929 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A 7.4 Litre Sport Landaulette by Castagna, Bonhams photo.

Same car, rear 3/4 view.

1929 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Roadster by Castagna, for sale photo.

Same car, side view.

Same car, rear 3/4 view.

1930 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8AS Boattail Cabriolet by Castagna, RM Sotheby's photo.

1930 Isotta-Fraschini Tipo 8A SS Torpedo Sport by Castagna.

1930 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A SS Cabriolet by Castagna, Bonhams photo.  This might be the same car as in the previous photo.

Same car, side view.

Same car, rear 3/4 view.

1930 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A "Commodore" Cabriolet by Castagna, Barrett-Jackson photo.