Chassis: 7L950.297
Spectacular Bizzarrini-Engineered, Bertone-Styled Grand Tourer
One of Just 66 Large-Displacement 7 Litri Models Built
Brilliantly Restored and First in Class at the 1999 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®
Documented by a Large Folio of Records, Including Restoration Receipts
Manual Gearbox Example Offered with Tools, Jack, and Books
6,997 CC OHV V-8 Engine
Single Rochester 4-Barrel Carburetor
400 BHP at 5,200 RPM
5-Speed ZF Manual Gearbox
4-Wheel Power-Assisted Girling Disc Brakes
Front Independent-Wishbone Suspension with Coil Springs, Tube Shocks, and Anti-Roll Bar
Rear De Dion Tube Suspension with Coil Springs, Tube Shocks, and Watts Linkage
This 1969 Series I Iso Grifo 7 Litri is a sensational example of Iso’s highly acclaimed and powerful grand tourer. Powered by the L36 427 Corvette engine, it was one of the world’s fastest and most handsome production cars of the late 1960s.
Following WWII, the Italian refrigeration company Isothermos was re-established by Renzo Rivolta as Iso Autoveicoli S.p.A., to produce motor vehicles. In the 1950s, the company was best known for its small motor scooters and the Isetta microcar, which was eventually licensed to BMW. In the early 1960s, Sig. Rivolta set out to build a grand touring car. The Iso Rivolta was introduced in 1962 to critical acclaim. Building on the success of the Rivolta, Iso embarked upon the development of a second grand touring coupe, the Grifo.
The Grifo was engineered by former Ferrari mastermind Giotto Bizzarrini and was based on a shortened Rivolta chassis. Bizzarrini incorporated Corvette engines and other carefully chosen mechanical components to ensure brilliant power, reliability, and cost effectiveness. Giorgetto Giugiaro of Bertone was entrusted to style the Grifo’s graceful fastback coachwork.
The Iso Grifo was introduced at the Torino Motor Show in 1963, fitted with a Corvette 327 cid V-8 and a BorgWarner four-speed gearbox. Later versions of the Grifo were enhanced with Corvette’s 427 V-8, producing 400 hp and 460 lbs./ft. of torque. The Iso Grifo on offer is one of the rarest and most desirable specifications built, with handsome Series I bodywork and big-block Corvette power. It has also been upgraded with a ZF five-speed gearbox in place of its original four-speed unit. This Grifo is a remarkably elegant and powerful tourer and one of only 66 examples of the 7 Litri built.
The car is positively striking, finished in Blue Metallic with a Cream leather interior, contrasting blue carpeting, and handsome woodwork. Restored by David Grant Ltd. in Santa Clarita, California, the Grifo won First in Class at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® in 1999. It has participated in many other notable classic car events, including the 2016 Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance, where it was awarded First in Class and the Sponsor’s Choice Award.
Offered with tools, spare, jack, and factory books, the Grifo also is accompanied by a large binder of documentation and restoration records. This 7 Litri, with its rare specification and outstanding restoration, is undoubtedly one of the most attractive and desirable examples in existence, providing an exciting opportunity to acquire one of rarest and most exotic Italian GTs of the 1960s.
Bruce Milner, Los Angeles, California (acquired by 1990)Stuart Parr, New York, New York (acquired in 2006)
Adrian “Gus” Pope, Miami, Florida (acquired from the above in 2007)
Glenn Simon, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida (acquired in 2015)
Current Owner (acquired from the above in 2016)
