Iso Grifo

The Iso Grifo, a high-performance sports coupe produced by Iso SpA between 1965 and 1974, is a true icon of automotive design and engineering. A total of 412 units were built, including 17 rare Targa models made by Carrozzeria Pavesi. Iso’s vision for the Grifo was to create a car that combined the comfort and reliability of American muscle cars with the elegance and performance of European sports cars. This ambitious project was entrusted to Giotto Bizzarrini, the renowned engineer with experience at Alfa Romeo and Ferrari, and the aesthetic design was handled by Bertone under the direction of the young and talented Giorgetto Giugiaro, who had recently been appointed as Bertone’s chief designer. Bizzarrini designed a platform frame with box sections, similar to the Iso Rivolta IR 300 but with a wheelbase shortened by 20 centimeters. The Grifo was powered by robust American V8 engines, beginning with a 5.4-liter V8 sourced from the Chevrolet Corvette. Additional technical components were also sourced externally, including the steering system from Burman, the limited-slip differential from Salisbury, and disc brakes from Dunlop. Transmission options included a five-speed manual from ZF Friedrichshafen, four-speed gearboxes from Muncie or Borg-Warner, and a three-speed automatic from Borg-Warner. The design of the Grifo was nothing short of revolutionary. Giugiaro, drawing inspiration from the Pininfarina Rondine show car, crafted a low, feline fastback body with smoothly rounded fenders and a prominent, slightly inclined roll bar. The front end was distinguished by round twin headlights, while the rear was dominated by a large panoramic window that tapered gracefully towards the trunk. Giugiaro’s design also included large ventilation openings between the front wheel arches and the A-pillar, contributing to the car’s aggressive and sleek appearance. The prototype, named A3/L (Lusso), was unveiled at the Turin Motor Show in late 1963. While its overall design was close to the production model, it featured unique elements such as slanted headlights and a three-dimensional grille, which were later refined for the final version. Iso produced several versions of the Grifo, including the powerful 7-Litri model, of which 70 units were built. The ultra-rare Cam-Am version saw just 20 examples made, and in the later years of production, about 25 units of the Grifo were equipped with Ford engines. The Grifo’s road model was renowned for its muscle car-like appearance and high specific power. Alongside it, a racing variant known as the A3/C (Competizione) competed in the 1964 24 Hours of Le Mans, achieving success before a dispute between Iso’s leadership and Bizzarrini led to the engineer’s departure. Bizzarrini continued to produce the A3/C independently as the Bizzarrini GT 5300. The Iso Grifo remained in production with minimal changes until Iso SpA’s closure in 1974. Today, it is remembered as one of the most distinctive and powerful sports cars of its era, with Giorgetto Giugiaro’s design playing a significant role in its lasting legacy.