1970 ISO Grifo

The Iso Grifo, produced from 1965 to 1974, was a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive grand tourer combining American power with Italian styling. A one-off Iso Grifo A3/L prototype was introduced in 1963 at the Turin Auto Show, with the first production GL model appearing in 1965.

The Iso Grifo was endowed with styling by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Bertone and sophisticated chassis and underpinnings courtesy of Giotto Bizzarrini. Both individuals were very influential in the automotive scene, with Bizzarrini serving as sports car development chief at Ferrari in the late 1950s, working on such notable projects as the Ferrari 250 GTO. He was part of the 'Great Walkout' of Ferrari in 1961 (joined by four other prominent individuals), founding ATS with Carlo Chiti with the intent of being a direct competitor to Ferrari both on the race track and the street. Soon after, Bizzarrini formed his own company, Società Autostar, whose name was changed to Bizzarrini in 1964. Projects included cars for Iso Autoveicoli S.p.A., creating the Iso Rivolta IR 300, and the Iso Grifo. The collaboration between Bizzarrini and Iso soon ended after the Grifo due to a dispute, leading to Società Autostar building variants of the Iso Grifo under the Bizzarrini marque. Giotto Bizzarrini wanted to continue his efforts in racing while Renzo Rivolta was more conscious of the necessity for the road-going version.

Giorgetto Giugiaro designed many noteworthy automobiles during his lengthy career, including the De Tomaso Mangusta, Iso Grifo, Maserati Ghibli, Maserati Bora, DMC DeLorean, BMW M1, Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT/GTV, and so many others. The design of the Iso Grifo would inspire the shape of Maserati Ghibli created a few years later, with both sharing remarkable similarities, albeit with distinguishable features seen throughout. Both had long bonnets, a sloped roofline, a wrap-down style rear trunk lid, and a wide mouth grille.

The Iso Grio was built in two configurations, the A3/L with the 'L' representing Lusso (luxury) and the A3/C, 'C' for Corsa was built for competition. The A3/L represented Renzo Rivolta's vision for the model while the competition version was Bizzarrini's aspiration. A prototype A3/C raced at Le Mans in 1964 where it was piloted by Edgar Berney and Pierre Noblet to 14th place. Its position may have been much higher had brake problems not required a two-hour pit stop. A total of 22 examples of the Grifo A3/C were built prior to the Rivolta and Bizzarrini split. The Grifo GL was produced at Bresso, while the A3/C examples were built at Piero Drogo's Sports Cars of Modena under Bizzarrini's supervision.

Power was supplied by a Chevrolet small-block 327 cubic-inch (5.4-liter) V8 engine backed by a Borg-Warner 4-speed manual transmission. It offered 300 to 350 horsepower depending on the state of tune. The pressed steel and welded panel chassis had a wheelbase size of 2700 mm (106.3 inches) and a length of 4760 mm (187.4 inches) with a deDion setup in the rear with unequal-length wishbones at the front. Stopping power was provided by disc brakes at all for corners.

A total of 330 Series I and 83 Series II cars were built for a total of 413 cars. Ninety examples were equipped with a 7-liter engine. 14 Series I cars and 4 Series II cars had Targa roof configurations.

The Grifo 7 Litri model was introduced in 1968 and powered by a Chevrolet L71 big-block, a Tri-Power version of the 427 engine. It produced an advertised 435 horsepower at 5,800 RPM, and the factory claimed it gave the Grifo a top speed of 186 mph. To accommodate the massive engine, a large scoop, called the 'Penthouse,' was added to the hood. The engine bay was enlarged and the chassis received additional bracing to cope with the increase in power.

The Series II cars arrived in 1970 following styling changes made to the nose section that included hideaway headlights. The IR-9 'Can Am' versions were equipped with the Chevrolet 454 7.4-liter engine. The Grio IR-8 of 1972 used a small-block Ford Boss 351 engine. These models also had the hood scoop to accommodate the large engines.

by Dan Vaughan

Targa

Renzo Rivolta hired ex-Ferrari engineer Giotto Bizzarrini to help him create his line of automobiles. After introducing the Iso Rivolta, Bizzarrini wanted to make a sports car. With the help of designer Guirgetto Guigairo, came the Iso Grifo. The Grifo was quite a success, but Piero Rivolta, now running the company due to the death of his father, wanted something a little special. He decided to upgrade the look of the Grifo with the elongated nose with hidden headlights, but he still felt he needed something for his best customers. The Grifo Targa was just the answer. Iso only built four long-nosed Targas, obviously a very rare part of Iso history.

Coupe
Chassis number: GL960300

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 Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: GL 050336

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 Dan Vaughan

Targa

The Iso Grifo was engineered by Giotto Bizzarrini of Ferrari fame, based on a shortened Rivolta chassis, with fastback coachwork by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Bertone. In total, 413 Grifos were produced between 1964 and 1974. In 1968, Iso introduced the Iso Grifo Super 7.0-liter, producing 435 horsepower with a top speed of 186 mph. Several mechanical changes were needed to accommodate this engine, as well as the incorporation of the 'penthouse' hood scoop to allow for the larger big block engine.

This Iso was completed on May 25, 1970, one of the 90 Iso Grifo 7.0-liter cars made, and one of fifteen equipped with 5-speeds. This was the only car built with the quick steering ratio option. In 2021, overseen by Roberto Negri, engineer and test driver for Iso Rivolta, the car received a full restoration to 1970 factory specification, complete with its superb Tobacco leather and Metallic Green paint.

Targa
Chassis number: GL020314
Engine number: 1419 V0409HY

Renzo Rivolta founded an Italian refrigeration company named Isotherm that, following World War II, provided him with the mechanical and financial resources to expand into the production of motorscooters and motorcycles. By 1950, Isothermos was renamed Iso Autoveicoli and was the third-largest two-wheel producer in Italy. In the early 1960s, Mr. Rivolta ventured into grand touring car production with the Rivolta, which debuted at the Torino Auto Show. The company's second grand touring coupe was dubbed the Grifo.

The iso Grifo received engineering sophistication from former Ferrari mastermind Giotto Bizzarrini and was based on a shortened Rivolta chassis. Engines were sourced from Chevrolet, which guaranteed both power and reliability. The fastback coachwork was via Giorgetto Giugiaro of Bertone.

This 1970 Iso Grifo Series I Targa is one of just 14 built. It has removable roof panels, a Chevrolet 350 cubic-inch V8 engine, and a ZF five-speed gearbox.

This Iso Grifo was completed on March 21st, 1970, and was delivered to Auto Becker in Germany. The current (fourth) caretaker acquired this car in 1978. Although it originally wore an Argento Auteuil Metallizzato (Metallic Silver) exterior, the car was repainted in the 1980s in its present deep blue metallic to better complement its gray leather interior.

In the early 2000s, the car was given a restoration by former Iso employee Roberto Negri in Clusone, Italy. The car arrived in the United States in 2005, where it was invited to the 2005 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance®. Since then, it has been shown at Concorso Italiano, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, and the 2022 Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance.

by Dan Vaughan

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, the 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, leading to 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 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 versions, 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 Man's race. During its racing career, it would capture a fourth overall and 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.

by Dan Vaughan

Founder and head of Iso S.p.A. of Bresso, Renzo Rivolta, began his business 'Isothermos' in refrigerators before moving on to automotive design. The company is well known for its bubble cars and motorcycles, but its claim to fame lies in its performance GT car Iso Grifo. In 1960 Renzo was immensely attracted to the British Gordon GT prototype. Borrowing it for inspection, Renzo also borrowed some of its ideas for a new high-performance 2+2 sportscar. Already quite famous for producing the stunning Rivolta IR300, Iso Rivolta took it a step further and introduced the glorious Grifo in 1963.

Giotto Bizzarrini, the famous freelance Italian engineer, had worked for Ferrari but left to set up 'Prototipi Bizzarrini' in Livorno, Tuscany. It was here that Giotto designed and consulted for big names like Lamborghini, ATS, and Iso Rivolta. Young Giorgetto Giugiaro at Bertone designed the body while Bizzarrini focused on the mechanical side of the sportscar. What developed was the stunning Grifo A3L (L for Lusso/Luxury) prototype coupe. Debuting in Turin in 1963, the vehicle wouldn't be production-ready for another two years. The A3L curvy fastback featured a steel body with large engine-cooling grids in the front fenders, a Kamm-style tail, and a twin-mouth grille. Sharing a great distinction with the Chevrolet Corvette, the two-door coupe Grifo was well known for its sleek appearance.

The Grifo was also designed in a race version called the A3/C (Corsa) with a spectacular modified alloy body. Bizzarini had been the designer behind the Ferrari 250 GTO and he dubbed the A3/C his 'Improved GTO'. One of the first front-mid-engined cars ever built, the A3/C's engine was moved back about 16 inches. Both versions of the Grifo were built simultaneously and both models were debuted in the same year. Bertone debuted the Grifo A3/L prototype at the Turin Auto show, and Iso unveiled the under construction competition version; the Iso Grifo A3/C. The motoring press was incredibly impressed with both models.

Though design tweaks to the prototype were made, Iso set about getting the Grifo A3/L production-ready. In an attempt to make the Grifo 'less aggressive' a facelift was in order, and it transformed the model into an even more stunning model. The Grifo shared the Rivolta's running gear and suspension but was tuned for higher performance.

Considered by some to be the most elegant-looking Gran Turismo (GT) supercar ever created, the Grifo received the Chevrolet Corvette's 327 V8 (5.4 L) engine. Speedy and reliable, the engine was either 300 or 350 hp and was mated to a Borg-Warner 4-speed Toploader. The engine was ordered in the U.S. but would be taken apart precisely and blueprinted before being installed, in the same way as the Iso Rivolta GT. With a top speed of 171 mph, the supercar had over 400 hp and weighed less than 2,200 pounds. The front suspension was through conventional wishbones and coil springs, while at the rear was a coil-spring De Dion live axle located by radius arms and Watt linkage. The brakes were four-wheel discs.

Giotto spent all of his time and energy on the A3/C, while Renzo Rivolta focused on the A3/l. This, unfortunately, brought some tension between the two men. The Grifo GL was produced at Bresso while the A3/C was produced at Piero Drogo's Sports Car of Modena under the watchful eye of Giotto. The A3/C was raced at Le Mans (Edgar Berney/Pierre Noblet) in 1964. The prototype raced well until brake issues required a two-hour pit stop before the car finished in 14th place. A disagreement between Renzo and Bizzarrini ended the cooperation in 1965, and the production of the street Grifo GL and the competition Bizzarrini A3/C were separated. Only 22 examples of the Bizzarrini Grifo A3/C were constructed.

Giotto produced a line of Bizzarrini 5300 Stradas and Corsas from the improved A3/C. The 'Grifo' name was dropped from any connection to Bizzarrini at this time. Bizzarini went on to build both Bizzarrini Strada and Corsa and had the alloy bodies constructed by BBM of Modena.

Bizzarrini introduced the scaled-down 1900 'Europa' in 1967. Some models received Alfa Romeo engines, while some received a tuned-up version of the Opel 1900 engine. About seventeen models were produced which made it one of his rarest designs ever. The Barchetta version, the P538, was even rarer with only three models produced. Around 155 Bizzarrini Stradas and Corsas were built before Bizzarrini closed down in 1969 due to bankruptcy. The remaining parts and cars were sold off.

In production form, the Grifo developed 390 hp and could reach 68 mph in first gear. A singular Grifo A3/L Spyder was debuted at the Geneva auto show by Renzo. In 1965 production of Iso Grifo GL began. The first-ever Grifo with Targa Top was shown in Turin in October 1966 and would be one of 13 Series I Targas ever built. Four series II Targas were eventually produced.

The interior of the Grifo was incredibly comfortable and could rival many Italian supercars of the day. The Grifo handled beautifully and was a solid supercar that appealed to nearly everyone. Because of its low build of only 47 inches, the Grifo was extremely fast and had excellent aerodynamics. Unfortunately, the Iso marque wasn't as prominent as Maserati or Ferrari, and attracting orders from the affluent customers that they needed was difficult.

The Grifo 7 Litro was debuted in 1968, powered with a Chevrolet L71 big-block engine, a Tri-Power version of the 427 engine. Changes had to be made to the car for this seven-liter engine to fit, including the addition of a hood scoop. The 7 Litro had a claimed top speed of 186 mph and produced 435 hp at 5800 RPM. The Grifo Series II was introduced in 1970 and included styling updates in the nose section of the car that was sleeker and hid hide-away headlights. Four Targas were built in this new series. The engine for the IR-9 'Can Am' version was switched from the 427 engine to the newer 454 engine. Iso began to use a small-block Ford Boss 351 engine which could be easily recognized by their taller hood scoop. In 1972 production ceased, and Iso S.P.A. closed its doors in 1974 during the oil crisis.

During its production span, a total of 413 Iso Grifos were produced. 322 Series 1 models, 78 Series II cars, 90 of these being the 7 Liter. Twenty-three of the Series II 5-speeds and 4 of the Series II Targa models were produced. Today the Grifo is an incredible collectible due to its extremely rare production.

by Jessican Donaldson