Iso Rivolta Varedo

The Iso Rivolta Varedo pays homage to the city where Iso had relocated its operations shortly before its unveiling. Designed under the direction of Ercole Spada at Zagato, the Varedo was envisioned as a high-performance automobile, distinguished by its fiberglass body construction. Debuting as a concept car at the 1972 Turin Auto Show, the Varedo boasted impressive specifications. Powered by an 8-cylinder V-shaped Ford Cobra Jet engine with a displacement of 5,736 cc, it delivered a robust 365 horsepower through a 5-speed transmission. Despite its powerful engine, the Varedo maintained a lightweight construction, tipping the scales at approximately 1,000 kilograms. It measured just over a meter in height and nearly two meters in width, presenting a formidable stance on the show floor. However, despite its promising debut and advanced design, the fate of the Iso Rivolta Varedo took a different turn. Soon after its unveiling, the Rivolta family divested their ownership in the company, shelving plans for further development and series production. This decision consigned the Varedo concept car to the status of a singular and exceptional example. The Iso Rivolta Varedo remains a testament to Iso’s ambition and innovation during the early 1970s. Its sleek, fiberglass-bodied design and potent American-sourced engine underscored Iso’s penchant for blending European styling with robust American powertrains. Despite its limited production fate, the Varedo continues to captivate automotive enthusiasts and collectors alike, representing a unique chapter in the marque’s storied history. Today, the Iso Rivolta Varedo concept car stands as a cherished artifact, embodying the spirit of automotive experimentation and creativity that characterized Iso’s brief yet impactful tenure in the high-performance automobile market.