Iso Rivolta IR 340 1964

The story of Iso, the stylish Italian GT with good old American grunt, is a tale of innovation and passion that left a lasting mark on the automotive world. It all began in the early 1950s when Renzo Rivolta, an Italian engineer and entrepreneur, decided to enter the car manufacturing business. His vision was to create a GT car that would combine Italian elegance and American power.

In 1953, Iso Rivolta was founded, and the company's first foray into the automotive world was the Isetta, a small and quirky microcar. While the Isetta gained some popularity, it was the Iso Rivolta GT, introduced in 1962, that truly set the stage for the company's legacy. This luxurious and sporty GT car featured a body designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and was powered by a 327-cubic-inch Chevrolet V8 engine. It was a perfect fusion of Italian styling and American muscle.

The Iso Rivolta GT was followed by the Iso Grifo in 1965, another high-performance GT car that utilized American V8 power, this time sourced from Ford and Chevrolet. The Grifo, designed by Bertone, was not only powerful but also exquisitely styled, making it a rival to the likes of Ferrari. Many enthusiasts and critics believed that the Iso Grifo offered a more comfortable and practical alternative to the sometimes temperamental Italian supercars.

Iso continued to expand its lineup with models like the Iso Lele, which was a more refined, luxurious GT car, and the Iso Fidia, a four-door sedan, both powered by V8 engines. The Iso brand was known for its attention to detail and high-quality craftsmanship, which set it apart from some of its competitors.

One of the most iconic cars produced by Iso was the Iso Grifo 7 Litri. As the name suggests, it was equipped with a massive 7-liter V8 engine, delivering astonishing performance. With its sleek, aggressive design and brute force, the Grifo 7 Litri became a symbol of the company's ability to combine elegance and power in a single package.

However, despite the critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase, Iso struggled financially, and the 1973 oil crisis had a significant impact on the company's fortunes. In 1974, Iso ceased production, marking the end of an era. The company's legacy lives on in the hearts of enthusiasts who appreciate the unique blend of Italian style and American muscle that Iso cars embodied.

Today, classic Iso cars are highly sought after by collectors, and their unique combination of attributes continues to captivate automotive enthusiasts. The Iso brand may have disappeared, but its influence on the world of grand touring cars remains, as some people still prefer them to Ferraris for their distinctive character and charm.