Itala 18/30 HP classic cars for sale
The Itala 18/30 HP stands out as a pivotal model in early Italian automotive engineering. Recognised for its significant technical prowess and place in motoring history, this model blends innovative design with advanced mechanical solutions for its era.
Search results
1912 | Itala 18/30 HP
ITALA 35/45 HP (1912) OMOLOGATA ASI TARGA ORO NR. 0102 – RARISSIMA – DA VETRINA
Itala 18/30 HP Classic Cars: Prices & Market Values
History of the Itala 18/30 HP
Itala was founded in 1904 in Turin, instantly establishing a reputation for technical innovation and engineering excellence. The 18/30 HP was developed during an era of rapid progress in automotive technology, reflecting the ambitions of Italian constructors aiming for supremacy both on the road and in motorsport. Early Itala cars, including the 18/30 HP, were constructed to compete with Europe's leading marques, combining reliable mechanicals with a willingness to embrace bold technical experimentation.
Model History
Introduced as part of Itala’s mid-1900s lineup, the 18/30 HP represented the manufacturer’s approach to balancing power, comfort, and reliability. Compared to earlier, simpler Itala vehicles, the 18/30 HP featured stronger chassis engineering and an improved drivetrain. The series later influenced subsequent models by setting benchmarks in durability and refinement. Its successors continued to carry forward Itala's pioneering vision until the brand ultimately ceased car production in the 1930s.
Highlights of the Itala 18/30 HP
The Itala 18/30 HP impresses with innovations such as advanced overhead valve technology and robust chassis construction for its period. The series is renowned among collectors for its rarity and high level of original mechanical authenticity, with surviving examples often preserved in remarkable detail.
Technical Data
Special Editions and Collectible Models
As of current historical records, no officially designated factory special editions of the Itala 18/30 HP are documented. However, many examples exhibit unique coachbuilt bodies from renowned Italian carrozzeria, each individually tailored per customer commission, which adds to their collectibility and historical significance.
Weak Spots and Common Issues
No specific weak spots or recurring technical problems are currently documented. However, due to the car’s extreme age, attention must be paid to the mechanical wear of engine internals, the state of the chain-drive system, and bodywork integrity, particularly with period coachbuilt bodies. Sourcing original parts typically requires specialists with access to heritage networks or skilled reproduction work.
Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling
The four-cylinder engine of the 18/30 HP was celebrated for its high-displacement performance by contemporary standards, delivering reliable propulsion with manageable torque. The chain-drive transmission provided direct and robust power delivery, while the suspension setup, utilising semi-elliptic leaf springs, offered a firm yet surprisingly comfortable ride for a pre-war vehicle. Steering required a firm hand but rewarded experienced drivers with good feedback for its time. Among surviving Itala vehicles, the 18/30 HP stands as the singular focal point of both supply and demand in classic car circles today, as evident from marketplace statistics.
Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design
Coachwork on the 18/30 HP varied, with custom bodies crafted from hand-formed steel and timber, often complemented by brass fittings and early paint techniques in deep blues, reds or period-appropriate creams. The cabins exhibit an early interpretation of luxury motoring, with details ranging from buttoned leather bench seats to handsomely turned brass controls. Period accessories, such as acetylene headlamps and sporting windshields, further amplify the historical driving experience.
Other Information
Some examples of Itala 18/30 HP feature unique design artefacts, such as commemorative rally badges or non-standard accessories fitted by early owners, reflecting the bespoke approach to automobile ownership in the pre-war period. Surviving documentation often adds to the provenance and value of individual vehicles.
Summary
The Itala 18/30 HP is an early Italian automobile that stands as a unique object of engineering, cultural significance, and mechanical intrigue. It is defined by its robust design, bespoke bodywork, and pioneering spirit of turn-of-the-century motoring.