ISO
ISO
Grifo GL 300
GL640066
GL640066
Hailing from its humble origins, the Iso Grifo GL 300 carries a fascinating history deeply rooted in the ingenuity and vision of its creator, Renzo Rivolta. The Iso name itself was inspired by Rivolta’s pre-World War II venture into refrigerators called Isothermos. Post-war, Rivolta transitioned to crafting scooters, and later, the iconic Isetta bubble car, which would go on to be licensed by BMW. However, Rivolta’s grand vision extended beyond compact cars, and he yearned to create a grand touring masterpiece.In 1962, Rivolta’s dream materialized with the introduction of the Iso Rivolta, a stylish grand tourer. But the pinnacle of Rivolta’s achievement came a year later in 1963 with the unveiling of the sportier and more potent Iso Grifo. The mastermind behind its stunning design was none other than the gifted Giorgetto Giugiaro of Bertone, who later lent his talents to design other automotive marvels like the Maserati Ghibli and the BMW M1. The Iso Grifo’s allure was magnetic, perfectly capturing the essence of Italian and American design aesthetics in one sensuous and powerful package.
Nestled within the Grifo’s low and wide stance lay a heart of power—a potent American V8 engine sourced from Chevrolet. This formidable powerhouse ensured the car’s performance prowess matched its striking looks. The Iso Grifo was made available with various Chevrolet V-8 engines, ranging from the 327- to the mighty 454-cubic inch small block motors. Later on, a Ford 351 “Cleveland” engine also joined the lineup. Underpinning this automotive marvel was a chassis designed by none other than Giotto Bizzarrini, the genius behind Ferrari’s iconic 250 GTO, solidifying the Grifo’s engineering pedigree.
Fast forward to the 1969 Iso Grifo GL, and the magnificent Chevrolet 327-cubic inch V-8 engine roars with a commanding 300 horsepower. Dressed in a captivating silver finish, the Grifo’s unmistakable Bertone lines demand attention wherever it goes. Inside the cabin, a realm of luxury awaits with black leather upholstery, exquisite wood-trimmed instrument panels, and a sporty three-spoke, wood-rimmed steering wheel. Though showing some signs of age, this example remains a testament to the love and care bestowed upon it by its collector.
With only 471 Iso Grifo GL 300s produced over an 11-year production run, these remarkable automobiles are a rare sight to behold. Each opportunity to own an Iso Grifo is indeed a cherished moment for any automotive connoisseur. A fusion of Italian finesse, American muscle, and impeccable engineering, the Iso Grifo stands tall as a timeless masterpiece, capturing the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors alike for generations to come.
SPECIFICATIONS
NUMBER PRODUCED
471 units
DATE OF DELIVERY
1966
CHASSIS TYPE
Monocoque
LENGTH
4480 mm (176.4 inches)
WIDTH
1750 mm (68.9 inches)
HEIGHT
1220 mm (48.0 inches)
WEIGHT
1,400 kg (3,086 pounds)
ENGINE
5.4L Chevrolet V8
POWER
300 hp
TORQUE
542 Newton-meters (400 pound-feet)
0-60 MPH
Not provided
TOP SPEED
Not provided
GALLERY
