1970 ISO Grifo Coupe

Renzo Rivolta built Isothermos refrigerators in Italy before the Second World War. The name 'Iso' was named after those refrigerators. When war ceased, Rivolta began automobile production. He began with scooters, expanding to the Isetta bubble cars, which were later licensed to BMW, and finally to proper grand touring cars. The Iso Rivolta carried Bertone styling with a coupe configuration that housed four passengers. They appeared in 1962 with the sportier two-seat Grifo following a year later and going on sale in 1965.

The Grifo was powered by a Chevrolet small-block V8 engine and gearbox from the Corvette. The chassis was designed by the Ferrari 250 GTO designer Giotto Bizzarrini. The overall height was a mere 48 inches; the front had aggressive quad-headlights, and mounted on all four corners were alloy wheels. It was a very sophisticated and lightweight car that had a base price twice the amount of a Corvette.

The chassis was tubular and there were four-wheel disc brakes. The 327 cubic-inch V8 engine promised 300 to 335 horsepower and a top speed in excess of 165 miles per hour. Only 471 examples of the Grifo were produced during its production lifespan, which lasted until 1974.

This 1970 Iso Grifo Coupe has never been cosmetically restored. It is painted yellow and has 'knock-off' alloy wheels and Michelin performance radial tires. The interior is black upholstery accented by smart houndstooth inserts on the seats and the center console. There is full instrumentation, an AM/FM stereo receiver, air conditioning, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, racing-style seat belts, and power windows.

In 2008, this car was brought to the 2nd Annual Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions, where it was estimated to sell for $100,000-$125,000. Though the vehicle carried a reserve, it was lifted even though bidding did not reach the estimated value. The lot was sold for $85,250, including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2008