1970 ISO Grifo Coupe

The Iso Rivolta, introduced in 1962, was a luxury four-seat coupe with Chevrolet power. The Grifo was the work of industrialist and Isetta manufacturer Renzo Rivolta, engineer Giotto Bizzarrini, Nuccio Bertone, and designer Giorgetto Giugiaro of Bertone Design. A more sporting version, the Iso Grifo A3/L (Lusso), was introduced in 1963, accompanied by its race-developed sibling, the A3/C (Corsa).

Bertone and Rivolta realized the need for the A3/L to be a commercial success, while Bizzarrini's focus was on the A3/C, as his background was almost exclusively competition based.

A more refined version of the A3/L came about in 1964, known as the Iso Grifo GL (Gran Lusso), and was intended to be built in greater numbers than the A3 variants. It was available with either a Chevrolet 427- or 454-cubic-inch engine, as well as the Ford 351 'Cleveland' motor. Most GLs were powered by the Corvette-based unit. The engines were heavily reworked at the factory with forged connecting rods and a large-capacity finned aluminum sump, designed by Bizzarrini himself, which enabled the oil to be kept cool at high sustained revs.

In 1965, the collaboration between Rivolta and Bizzarrini came to an end. Hereafter, Bizzarrini continued to produce the models previously known as the A3/C, now called the Bizzarrini 5300 Corsa or Strada. Rivolta pursued the production of the Iso Grifo GL independently.

This particular example was constructed in October of 1970 and was the prototype Series II. It was given a Chevrolet 350/350 engine, a five-speed ZF gearbox option, and air conditioning. The car was exhibited at the 1970 Turin Motor Show, finished in Polo White with a blue leather interior. It is believed that the car was used for promotional events and advertising. It was featured in the original Iso Grifo publicity brochure as well as other PR photos, and was the personal car of Piero Rivolta, who had succeeded his father as Managing Director of the company upon his death in 1966.

Being a prototype, it has many unique features. This was the first Grio to be given covered headlamps and the first of 17 'long-nose' cars, known as the Grifo Series II, or IR8.

While in the care of Piero Rivolta, its original engine was damaged. It is believed that the damage occurred due to insufficient airflow to the radiator. As a result, revisions were made to the Series I-style front valance, which was then incorporated on later Series II cars.

This car was also fitted with a thicker wood rim steering wheel, and the dashboard was fitted with a wooden 'ISORIVOLTA' plaque. This meant some of the dash controls were relocated to the panel immediately forward of the gear level, and is contrary to the usual 'production' Grifo practice.

In 1982, the car was imported into the United States and has been with its current Californian custodian since 1996. It has covered a little over 87,000 kilometers from new. It is believed that the car was repainted silver before leaving the factory, while the blue interior remains original. There are Campagnolo alloy wheels, with a period-correct Becker Mexico radio and the original 'Iso' stamped ignition key.

Just over 400 examples of the Iso Grio were built.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2017