"The Torch": Stanley Wanlass’s Winged Centaur—A Masculine Legacy for Sergio Franchi’s Isotta Fraschini

Product Description

"The Torch" stands as a powerful and dramatic piece of automotive art, a testament to the custom-commissioned genius of sculptor Stanley Wanlass. Designed in 1988 for the renowned Italian-American tenor Sergio Franchi, this bronze work was intended as a bold, masculine mascot for the hood of Franchi’s spectacular Isotta Fraschini.
The car itself carried a unique pedigree, having been originally owned by the legendary silent film idol, Rudolf Valentino. Franchi, seeking to replace the car's existing hood ornament with something that reflected a more robust, contemporary masculinity, turned to Wanlass. The resulting sculpture is a striking depiction of a winged centaur—a mythical creature symbolizing a blend of human intellect, animal power, and now, with the addition of wings, divine freedom and speed.
The centaur is captured in a dynamic pose, bearing aloft a fiercely flaming torch. The torch is a universal symbol of enlightenment, passion, and eternal life, perfectly capturing the spirit of both the powerful automobile and its celebrated owner. Standing 10 inches high, the sculpture is not just an ornament; it is a miniature monument. It elegantly fuses classical mythology with the glamour and history of automotive culture, creating a singular piece that honors the legacies of Franchi, Valentino, and the magnificent Isotta Fraschini. "The Torch" is a definitive example of how Wanleas elevates the form of the automotive mascot into a piece of fine art.

Dimensions 22ʺW × 7.5ʺD × 10ʺH .

• Feature 1: One of only 2 Made
• Feature 2: Durable and long-lasting material
• Feature 3: Easy to use interface
• Feature 4: Excellent customer support