The Iso Grifo was created by a powerhouse of Italian engineering talent, including former Ferrari chief engineer and “father of the GTO” Giotto Bizzarrini; designer Giorgetto Giugiaro; and revered coachbuilders Bertone. A muscular gran turismo, its Bertone-built coachwork surrounded an advanced chassis with a de Dion rear axle and inboard brakes, a configuration that reduced the unsprung weight compared to a live rear axle. Power was provided by a Chevrolet 327-cubic-inch V-8 of the same specification used in contemporary Corvettes, endowing the Grifo with ample performance and fine reliability. The model remained in production into the early 1970s and saw a total run of 413 examples in all configurations.
The example offered here was completed 15 October 1968 and originally delivered in Italy. Formerly owned by the respected East Coast restorer Mark Goyette, in early 2019 it was acquired by the Elkhart Collection from the renowned stable of multiple Pebble Beach Best of Show-winners Sam and Emily Mann.
Having benefitted from a restoration years ago, today, the car remains powered by a 350-horsepower, 327-cubic-inch Chevrolet V-8, backed by a four-speed manual transmission and 3.07:1 rear axle. The engine bay is nicely detailed, and features diamond-quilted insulation and sound deadening, typical finishes of an Italian GT of this era. The interior is finished in tan leather, including the center console, and is equipped with Veglia Borletti instrumentation, Kienzle clock, Becker Europa II AM/FM radio, air conditioning, power windows, and a Nardi-Personal three-spoke wood-rimmed steering wheel with Grifo-badged hub. The Grifo also features an attractive Talbot-style side-view mirror as well as sporty Campagnolo center-lock wheels. The car has recently benefitted from routine maintinence which included a carburetor retune, new upper and lower control arm bushings, five new tires mounted and balanced, and new knock-off spinners.
Reportedly capable of autostrada speeds upwards of 140 mph, the Iso Grifo at one time was one of the world’s fastest production cars. Today the Iso Grifo remains a celebrated rare model and this example, having benefitted from recent maintenance, is sure to impress.
