1964 ISO Rivolta

Iso was founded in the 1930s and was originally named Isothermos. They were a leader in the production of refrigeration units which provided the company with financial stability. After the war, in 1953, Renzo Rivolta took the reins and re-founded the company as Iso AutoVeicoli with the primary purpose of producing motorcars. Their first product was a little 'bubble car' known as the Isetta. The company profited more from the licensing fees collected from other manufacturers that built the Isetta under license, like BMW, which enjoyed outstanding success with the little front-door opening coupes.

The Iso Rivolta was introduced in 1962 at the Turin Motor Show wearing a modern contemporary design by Carrozzeria Bertone's Giorgetto Giugiaro and a steel platform chassis by Giotti Bizzarrini. The Italian coachwork was paired with American horsepower from Chevrolet sourced 327 CID V8s. The GM automatic gearbox and engine were replaced in 1972 with a Ford automatic gearbox and Cleveland 5,762cc, V8 engine giving 325 horsepower. Designed to be a Grand Tourer, the Rivolta's suspension used an uneven front linkage set-up connected to a sway bar, aided by a rear suspension comprised of twin trailing arms combined with a De Dion rear axle and Watt's linkage. Coils, shocks, and disc brakes were placed at all four corners.

The Iso Rivolta was the company's first supercar and set the pattern for those that followed. Its future developments included the long-wheelbase, Ghia-styled Fidia four-door saloon, the short-wheelbase Grifo and the Rivolta-replacement Lele.

The Iso Rivolta was priced about two-thirds below the cost of an entry-level Ferrari at the time. An attractive price, alluring styling, powerful engine, and luxurious amenities led to the Rivolta enjoying strong sales. Iso's most successful model, the Rivolta was produced up to 1970, by which time a total of 797 cars had been built.

by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2020