1968 Iso Grifo 7-Litre

Since 1938, the Rivolta name has been synonymous with design excellence and beautiful styling, from the late 1940s and 1950s when Renzo Rivolta Snr. introduced stylish motor scooters and energy-efficient automobiles to post-war Italy, through to the production of the stunning sports cars of the 1960s and 1970s. In short, the Rivolta story blended American reliability with Italian design and international elegance. It is these 1960's cars that provide expression of the ideals and standards of the first Renzo Rivolta, who believed that innovation, beauty, and reliability could be combined in products of lasting value.

The new Iso prototype 'Grifo A3/L' was revealed at the Turin show in 1963 to overwhelming approval. First production Iso Grifo's followed and all used reassembled and blueprinted Chevrolet Corvette 5.4 litre engines until a 7.0 litre option was introduced in 1968. The larger engined cars were distinguished by some detail modifications, such as a "subtle" bonnet scoop, necessary to accommodate the taller engine and a black band across the rear roof pillar. 322 Series I Grifos were produced before the design received a facelift in 1972 after which time a further 78 (Series II) Grifo's were built. In total 90 Grifos were specified in seven-litre form, with only four being built in right-hand drive.

We are informed by the vendor that this particular Iso Grifo featured on the stand at the 1968 Earls Court Show, and is one of the four right-hand drive, super-rare, seven litre Grifos built. Owned for 28 years by the same fastidious owner who is also regarded as a UK authority on Iso and Bizzarrini cars, this particular car is naturally well published and its history very well documented.

Power comes from Chevrolet in the form of a 454 cubic inch V8 and respected V8 Specialists 'Knight Racing' who completed the engine rebuild recorded dynamometer results of 490bhp at 5,500rpm. The engine is mated to a modern Tremec TKO600 five-speed gearbox capable of handling this mighty power house. Considerable care and expense has been invested into the manufacture of a stainless steel exhaust system which, although of bigger bore, is true to the subtle profile lines of the original and rumbles with a suitable throb and growl. The vendor reports that the V8 normally starts first time, soon settles to an even idle, the car pulls beautifully throughout the rev range and the horizon often arrives a little quicker than anticipated. He tells us that the suspension feels taut, the gear change selects easily and the brakes pull the car up quickly and without drama.

The red bodywork is exquisite, with immaculate fit and finish, the black leather interior is mostly original and beautifully patinated and the wheels are Campagnolo Elektron with the correct magnesium alloy centre spinners.

High profile awards for the car, include a First in Class trophy for 'Best of Both Worlds' in the Cartier Style et Luxe at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2004. With a current speedometer reading of 72,000 miles, a new MOT and a substantial history file, this is a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most powerful, rare and inspiring sporting GTs ever built.

Photo Credit: Classic & Sports Car Magazine