AUTOMOBILE magazine profiles the Iso Grifo and Chronicles Editor Marty Schorr’s Series I 1967 Grifo.
In the early-mid-1960s, Iso’s founder, Renzo Rivolta, created the perfect storm: A Giorgetto Giugiaro styled GT/Sports
road warrior with an over-engineered platform by Pierluigi Raggi and Giotto Bizzarrini (Ferrari 250 TR and GTO) and Corvette V-8 power. Badged Grifo, it became Iso’s highest profile, flagship vehicle. After Renzo Rivolta passed away in August 1966, his son, Piero, continued the tradition. Under his watch, Iso produced the Series II Grifo, Fidia four-door sedan, 2+2 Lele and Varedo Concept. He was responsible for Iso’s Formula One racing program with Marlboro and Ford.
Between years 1962 and 1974, Iso produced approximately 1,669-1,699 vehicles, depending upon how you interpret the model-by-model breakdown in Winston Goodfellow’s excellent book,
ISORIVOLTA The Men, The Machines. In 1972 Iso started powering cars with Ford 351-inch Cleveland engines.
Iso went into bankruptcy in 1972, changed hands and then closed its doors two years later.
