There is something magical about the combination in the 1967 ISO Grifo of Italian Coachwork and a 5.3 liter American V8. In this case a 360 Horsepower turning a ZF five speed gearbox and 3:31 rear axle which will get you close to 170 miles per hour.
In 1991, the car was sold by Oliver Kuttner to Signore Giuseppe Prevesti, an Italian textile magnate. He returned the car to Italy and engaged Salvatore Diamonte, the former Bizzarrini factory manager to commence restoration. Due to tax issues, Prevesti liquidated his collection in 2007. The new owner, Herr Fischer of Hamburg, regularly exercised the car at speeds up to 160 mph. These momentary indiscretions led Fischer to sell the car in 2012, to Imtiaz Shaikh of Dubai. After lengthy negotiations, the car was brought stateside to Southwest Florida.
This was the cars first outing since returning to the states.
Design and Features
- Manufacturer: ISO Rivolta, an Italian manufacturer known for producing luxury cars and sports cars.
- Body Style: 2-door coupe, featuring a sleek and aerodynamic design.
- Designer: Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Bertone, renowned for his timeless automotive designs.
- Chassis: The Grifo utilized a steel monocoque chassis for strength and rigidity, essential for handling high-performance driving.
- Interior: Luxuriously appointed with high-quality materials such as leather upholstery, wood trim, and comprehensive instrumentation, offering a blend of comfort and sportiness.
Performance
- Engine Options:
- Initially equipped with Chevrolet V8 engines, typically the 5.4-liter (327 cubic inch) unit.
- Later models featured larger engines, such as the 7.0-liter (427 cubic inch) V8, offering increased power and performance.
- Power Output: Ranged from approximately 300 to 400+ horsepower, depending on the engine variant and tuning.
- Transmission: Initially available with a 4-speed manual gearbox, later models offered a 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission, providing flexibility for different driving preferences.
- Top Speed: Capable of achieving speeds exceeding 150 mph (240 km/h), showcasing its high-performance capabilities.
- Suspension: The Grifo featured independent front suspension with coil springs and a live rear axle with coil springs or leaf springs, providing a balance of comfort and sporty handling.
- Brakes: Disc brakes on all four wheels, ensuring effective stopping power suitable for high-speed driving.
Racing Success and Legacy
- Competition History: While primarily designed as a grand tourer (GT) rather than a dedicated race car, some ISO Grifos were entered in endurance races and rallies, showcasing their durability and performance.
- Significance: The ISO Grifo is celebrated for its combination of Italian styling and American V8 power, appealing to enthusiasts looking for a blend of European elegance and American muscle.
- Influence: It influenced automotive design trends with its striking appearance and powerful engine options, setting it apart from other GT cars of the era.
Production and Rarity
- Production Years: Produced from 1965 to 1974, with various updates and improvements throughout its production run.
- Total Units Produced: Approximately 413 units across all variants, including both early and late models.
- Price: Today, the ISO Grifo is highly sought after by collectors, with prices reflecting its rarity, historical significance, and unique design.
Notable Features
- Timeless Design: Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the ISO Grifo featured a clean, elegant silhouette with distinctive styling cues like pop-up headlights and a low, aggressive stance.
- Powerful Engine Options: The availability of potent Chevrolet V8 engines provided exhilarating performance and a distinctive exhaust note, contributing to the car's appeal.
- Exclusivity: Limited production numbers and surviving examples make the ISO Grifo a prized collector's item among automotive enthusiasts worldwide.
You may purchase a print of the 1967 ISO Grifo in our dElegance 2017 online gallery.
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