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The Isotta-Fraschini Tipo 8A of the early 1920s was a worthy rival to the likes of Rolls-Royce and Hispano-Suiza, with its 5.9 litre straight 8-cylinder engine (enlarged in 1924 to 7.3 litres). However, the depression had hit hard the previously successful sales of luxury cars in North America, and the importer requested that the company produce something a little more downmarket that would regain sales success in the USA.
The Italian company responded by producing the Tipo 8B, with its nickel cast block, hydraulic dampers, coil ignition (rather than magneto), and synchromesh gearbox which came optional with Wilson self-selection. Along with smaller wheels came a lower radiator, adding to the cars sleeker, lower appearance.
Unfortunately the changes were not enough to lift the 8B to success, and out of 30 completed cars 19 remained unsold by June 1932, and a further 52 chassis and components awaited completion. Only a small number of these remaining examples were to find owners, and were, sadly, all scrapped in 1944.
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