February 2025 Featured Car

Published on 1 February 2025 at 07:30

1967 ISO Grifo GL

The Iso Rivolta was a four-seat coupe that appeared in 1962 at the Turin Auto Show. It was the work of Giotto Bizzarrini, designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, and coachbuilder Bertone, and was followed by a two-seat Gran Turismo in 1963 dubbed the Grifo.

The lightweight tube-frame chassis boasted a deDion rear axle, coil springs all round, and disc brakes with the rear being mounted inboard. The stance was menacing, being both low and wide, successfully combining many aspects of both Italian and American design.

In all, just 413 Iso Grifos of all configurations were built, including approximately 330 Grifo GL Series I coupes, 83 Series II cars, and 90 7-litre versions. 

Giorgio Giugiaro of Bertone designed the body, and Giotto Bizzarrini, the creator of the Ferrari GTO, engineered it. To improve weight distribution and balance, the engine was moved back about 40 mm, transforming the A3/C into a front, mid-engine car.

The interior was luxurious, fitted with the finest wood and leather accouterments.

Over the Grifo's lifespan, a variety of Chevrolet V-8s was offered, including the 327-, 427-, and 454 cubic inch small block engines. With potent Corvette engines, the Iso was capable of speeds in excess of 140 mph, making it one of the world's fastest production cars at the time.

Unfortunately, the Iso marque was not as prominent as Maserati or Ferrari, and attracting orders from the affluent customers that they needed was difficult.

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