Italian Iso Autoceicoli S.p.A manufactured a limited production grand tourer known as the Iso Grifo in 1965 and 1974.
The Iso Grifo was produced with every intention to Compete with Ferrari and Maserati GTs.
Iso Grifo automobiles used a series of American power trains to simplify production, reduce costs, and maximise its reliability.
Interestingly, well-known automobile designer, Giorgetto Giugiaro at Bertone, did all styling of the Iso Grifo while the mechanics were pre-occupied with the work of the Giotto Bizzarrini.
Iso Autoceicoli S.p.A in Bresso had gained reputation for producing high performance Iso Rivolta IR 300.
This automobile was a sleek 2+2 coupe based on a Chevvy + Corvette power and drive train.
Giotto Bizzarrini left Ferrari in 1961 and set up Prototipi Bizzarrini, in Tuscany, where he designed and consulted manufacturers like Lamborghini, ATS and Iso.
The Grifo gained four different American powertrains: 5.4, 7.0-litre V8s from Chevrolet and the same Ford-sourced 5.8-litre V8 fitted in the Pantera.
Only 413 examples of the Iso Grifo were produced. So this is a little hidden gem!
Specifications:
- Rear-wheel drive with powerplant located in the front
- 2-door coupe bodyshell
- 4 litre naturally aspired 8 cylinder powerplant, with 2 valves per cylinder
- 4 speed manual gearbox
