1970 ISO Rivolta GT

From little acorns - that's how the Iso story panned out. Initially, the company built fridges and motor scooters, but by the 1950s, it had branched out into car production. The company's first model was a bubblecar, later built by BMW under licence, but its next product was something entirely different. The Rivolta, built between 1962 and 1970, was ISOs' first venture into the GT market and the cars were very impressive. A young Giugiaro designed the bodywork and former Ferrari engineer, Giotti Bizzarrini, created the chassis. It was a recipe that worked, and in many ways was similar to what Gordon Keeble was doing in the UK.

The elegant Bertone-built steel body clothed a similar box-section frame with De Dion rear suspension. The Rivolta had an American V8 under the bonnet, giving it an impressive turn of speed. In fact, it was easily capable of more than 140mph. Being less than two-thirds of the cost of an entry-level Ferrari at the time, commercially the Rivolta picked up plenty of sales, being fast as well as practical with its four-seat capacity. Only a few good examples of the 797 exotic sports car exist today; like much Italian exotica from the 1960s, the car succumbed to corrosion.

"RNK 900H" supplied new and first registered in the UK on 26th June 1970 to Douglas Stitt of Wardington Nr. Banbury. He part exchanged the car for a new Ford Escort at his local garage in the September of 1978. The garage owner and now current keeper decided not to sell the car on. The odometer showed then 89484 miles as it still does today, incredibly this original Rivolta has not turned a wheel since that day 35 years ago!

The Rivolta has stood the test of time well, the 327 Chevrolet engine runs and sounds magnificent, although we would recommend appropriate inspections. The brakes are free and the General Motors manual four-speed gearbox appears to select all gears without fault. The car is in need of re-commissioning as would be expected having been stored in a barn for 35 years. There is evidence that the damp has started to take effect; although very solid, the paintwork is starting to show micro blisters.

The interior is in remarkably good although somewhat patinated condition, with a wealth of totally original dials including an altimeter.

Offered here is a completely original piece of classic Italian styling ready for a new lease of life and yearning for some use having been tucked away for so long.