c. 1915 – Isotta Fraschini Tipo PCS Torpédo | Autoworld 2026 | Auction & Motion | 10th Oct 2026

• Chassis No. 4692
• Vehicle sold without registration documents
• Vehicle sold without a roadworthiness test

“Isotta-Fraschini cars are rare on the market. What can be said 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, thanks to a string of successful deals, the first cars to bear their name (renovated and re-badged Renaults!) were brought to market. It wasn’t 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 difficult spell and nearly was 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 even older, given the absence of front brakes, although we know that four-wheel braking was introduced later on the brand’s larger-engined models. Indeed, under the bonnet of our Isotta, we find a 4-cylinder side-valve engine with a displacement of over 7 litres, bearing the number 711. Similarly, whilst its bodywork is undoubtedly original (wood panelling and aluminium panels), the wings appear more modern. But it was indeed in this form, and in fine condition, that Corrado Cupellini – a famous 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 chronicling 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 renowned 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. All were 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, makes it a first-class choice.

In 2019, the Isotta PCS became part of a major French collection, and it was decided to dismantle it, notably to remove the guilloché finish from the aluminium, which, whilst very beautiful, did not appear to be original. Since then, the chrome parts have been rechromed and new wheels 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. Before this work began, it could still be seen at the Bagatelle Concours d’Élégance organised by Louis Vuitton! Who will complete this incredible restoration?