1969 ISO Lele

The Iso Lele was a grand tourer that wore styling by Marcello Gandini of Bertone and was produced from 1969 to 1974, with total production reaching 285 units. Also known as the Rivolta Lele or the Iso Lele IR6, it was a 2-door 2+2 coupe that was produced alongside the 2-seater Iso Grifo and four-door Iso Fidia. The Rivolta Lele was named after Rachelle (LeLe) Rivolta, wife of Piero Rivolta - the son of Iso company founder Renzo.

The car (the Lele) had been meant as a Christmas present for Rachelle Rivolta, and following a positive reception, it was decided to put it into production. It was officially presented to the public in 1969 at the New York International Auto Show.

The Iso Lele had sporty styling that was modern and elegant, with an aerodynamic shape that complimented its performance underpinnings. Styling by Marcello Gandini at Bertone, the Lele featured front hidden headlamps with popup covers partially covering the quad headlamps when not in use. The 2+2 seating made it a versatile grand tourer, and its luxurious interior accouterments included plush carpeting, leather upholstery, air conditioning, and electric windows. A speedometer and tachometer were within quick glances by the driver, positioned directly behind the steering column. An additional four gauges were located on the center console, displaying water and oil temperature, as well as the amount of fuel remaining.

Mechanical Specifications
The Lele used a chassis designed by Giotto Bizzarrini, a talented engineer who had contributed to the Ferrari 250 GTO and the Lamborghini 350 GT. It was the same chassis used in Iso automobiles since the IR 300, and had a wheelbase size of 107.9 inches, a length of 183.1 inches, a width of 68.9 inches, and a height of 53.1 inches. The front suspension was comprised of unequal-length double-wishbones with coil springs while the rear relied on a de Dion layout with coil springs, Koni telescopic shock absorbers, dual trailing arms and a Watts linkage which located the Salisbury axle unit.

The steering was via a ZF power unit, inboard disc brakes provided the stopping power, and the Campagnolo magnesium alloy wheels were wrapped with 215/70 VP15 Michelin XWX tires.

Engine
Beneath the long and graceful bonnet was a 5,354cc Chevrolet V8 engine that produced approximately 300 horsepower. Around 112 examples had the 300 hp engine, and 13 examples received a higher specification, 350 hp Chevy V8 engine. Initially, the engines were paired with a four-speed GM Muncie manual transmission, while later examples received a 5-speed unit from ZF Friedrichshafen. A four-speed automatic from General Motors was optional.

Iso had produced approximately 125 examples of the Lele by 1972 when General Motors requested that Iso pay in advance for the engines. Exploring new options, Iso found a worthy engine replacement from Ford. The engine selected was a 5,736cc (nearly the same size as the Chevy unit) Cleveland V8 rated at 325 horsepower. The manual transmission remained unchanged but the automatic unit was now from Ford.

Iso Lele IR6 and IR6 Sport
By 1973, the Lele had become known as the Lele IR6, and it was joined by an even sportier version dubbed the Lele IR6 Sport. Its engine was given a 101.6 mm bore, a stroke of 88.9mm, a 5,800 RPM redline, a compression ratio of 8.6:1, and an output of 360 horsepower. Only the ZF 5-speed manual transmission was offered. These revisions were based on two bespoke versions made for Iso-Marlboro Formula One team drivers Howden Ganley and Nanni Galli. Complementing its higher specification, weight was reduced by the disposal of sound-deadening materials.

Production
The Iso Lele was produced from 1969 to 1972 with the 5,354cc Chevy 327 V8 engine, and from 1972 to 1974 with the 5,736cc Ford 351 V8 engine. A total of 285 examples were built, with 112 having the 300 hp Chevy engine, 13 with the 350 hp Chevy V8, and 135 with the 325 hp Ford V8. An additional 20 examples were IR6 Sport specification examples with the 360 hp engine. Two additional examples were Lele IR6 Marlboro cars with the 360 hp engine.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2024