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In 1962, the Milan car manufacturer ISO introduced its second model, the Grifo. The first was the Rivolta. Giorgio Giugiaro of Bertone designed the body and Giotto Bizzarrini, creator of the Ferrari GTO, engineered it. The Grifo was powered by a Chevrolet 5.3 liter V8 and sat atop a shortened Rivolta platform. The engine was placed in the front and drove the rear transaxle. The Borg-Warner T4 4-speed manual gearbox lacked overdrive, a problem that would cause it problems in future endurance racing. At speeds, the driver had to back off the accelerator pedal to help preserve the life of the engine. With over 400 horsepower from the GM small-block and a weighing less than 2200 pounds, the vehicle was able to achieve 190 miles-per-hour.
The Grifo was sportier than its predecessor and was available in two version, luxury and sport. The luxurious Grifo was dubbed the A3/L while the sportier version received the title A3/C. Iso produced the Grifo A3/L while Bizzarrini developed the A3/C.
In 1964 it was entered in the 12 Hours of Sebring as well as the grueling and fiercely competitive 24 Hours of Le Mans race. During its racing career it would capture a fourth overall but first in class victory at Le Mans.
During the production lifespan of the Grifo, around 22 versions of the A3/C were constructed. Due to disagreements, Bizzarrini and Rivolta parted ways in 1965. A deal was struck where Bizzarrini could still produce the Grifo A3/C cars but was unable to use the name. The new name was the Bizzarrini 5300 GT and American GT.
In 1968, a 6998 cc V8 engine became available and was later modified to 7443 cc.
The Grifo was sportier than its predecessor and was available in two version, luxury and sport. The luxurious Grifo was dubbed the A3/L while the sportier version received the title A3/C. Iso produced the Grifo A3/L while Bizzarrini developed the A3/C.
In 1964 it was entered in the 12 Hours of Sebring as well as the grueling and fiercely competitive 24 Hours of Le Mans race. During its racing career it would capture a fourth overall but first in class victory at Le Mans.
During the production lifespan of the Grifo, around 22 versions of the A3/C were constructed. Due to disagreements, Bizzarrini and Rivolta parted ways in 1965. A deal was struck where Bizzarrini could still produce the Grifo A3/C cars but was unable to use the name. The new name was the Bizzarrini 5300 GT and American GT.
In 1968, a 6998 cc V8 engine became available and was later modified to 7443 cc.
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Le Belle Macchine d'Italia |
 2005 Le Belle Macchine d'Italia |
1968 ISO Grifo |
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| Year | 1968 |
| Make | ISO |
| Model | Grifo |
| Engine Location | Front |
| Drive Type | Rear Wheel |
| Body / Chassis | Steel body on steel frame |
| Production Years for Series | 1964 - 1974 |
| Body Designer | Giorgetto Giugiaro |
| Combined MPG | 0.00 |
| Performance | |
| 0-60 mph | 7.4 seconds. |
| 1/4 Mile | 14.5 seconds. |
| Top Speed | 170 mph | 273.5 km/h Similar top speeds |
| Engine [Optional Engines] | |
| Engine Configuration | V |
| Cylinders | 8 |
| Aspiration/Induction | Normal |
| Displacement | 6998.00 cc | 427 cu in. | 7 L. |
| Valvetrain | OHV |
| Horsepower | 350.00 BHP (257.6 KW) @ 5800.00 RPM |
| Torque | 360.00 Ft-Lbs (488.2 NM) @ 3600.00 RPM |
| HP / Liter | 50.0 BHP / Liter |
| Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 |
| Main Bearings | 5 |
| Fuel Feed | Carburetor |
| Carter 4-barrel carburetor | |
| Block | Cast-iron |
| Head | Cast-iron |
| Gear Ratios | |
| 1st Gear | 2.54:1 |
| 2nd Gear | 1.89:1 |
| 3rd Gear | 1.51:1 |
| 4th Gear | 1.00:1 |
| Standard Transmission | |
| Gears | 4 |
| Transmission | Manual |
| Borg-Warner T-10 | |
| Final Drive | 2.88:1 |
| Optional Transmission | |
| Gears | 3 |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Powerglide | |
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General Comments
Replies: 12 Monday, January 01, 2001 |
| Other Model Years |
| 1974 Grifo |
| 1971 Grifo Series II |
| 1970 Grifo |
| 1969 Grifo GL |
| 1967 Grifo GL |
| 1964 Grifo A3/L |
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