1930 New York Auto Salon revisited?
A new Castagna Imperial Landaulet debuts in Geneva

By MATT DAVIS


One of the great ironies of automotive lore is that the 1929 Wall Street collapse came just as coachbuilders were getting into a wildly elegant groove. Italian house Isotta-Fraschini and coachbuilder Castagna were right there with the most elegant.

Whether or not you know what the words mean in coachbuilding terms, anytime you read or hear “Imperial Landaulet” you can imagine it’s something big. The successfully resuscitated Carrozzeria Castagna in Milan, Italy, has shown us over the past few Geneva shows what it’s capable of with modern interpretations of classic themes. For the 2006 show, they’re showing a new-age Imperial Landaulet.

The original Tipo 8A Isotta-Fraschini with Imperial Landaulet body by Castagna was, yes, huge. Built between 1924 and 1931, standard engine power from the I-F chassis was 115 hp from a long eight-cylinder.

This new one isn’t small either and engine power is earmarked at more than 800 hp coming from a V12. The Geneva car is only concept for now, but we’re told to expect the finished product in the Prototype category at this year’s Pebble Beach extravaganza.

Wheels are 24-inch, the rear section of the hardtop cabin—in landaulet tradition— opens when desired for some wind in your hair and sun on your diamonds. Massive doors open out from center. Luggage goes in the large rear section or in two simulated wood side containers per the original car. All bodywork is carbon composite.

The chassis used is a story in itself as well. Castagna was responsible for an order in 2005 of three stretched Porsche Cayenne Turbo S models for a family in Saudi Arabia. One of those ended up under this concept. The Isotta-Fraschini badge was originally intended for the top of the grille, but trademark issues have temporarily prevented this use.

source : autoweek

 

I appreciate it for looking different, but there is a definate imbalance in design and style. It's a blend of ideas that did not pull off together. Too futuristic and nostalgic at the same time; it's like watching a 1970's sci-fi flick (and it wasn't Star Wars)...