1970 Iso Grifo GL Series II (IR8)
- Engine
- Chevrolet 350 cubic inch V8, paired with five-speed ZF gearbox
- Colour
- Polo White
Chassis 336 is the prototype Iso Grifo Series II, constructed in October 1970 and displayed at the Turin Motor Show that year. Fitted with a Chevrolet 350/350 engine, five-speed ZF gearbox, and air-conditioning, it was the personal car of Piero Rivolta, son of the company founder, and the first Grifo equipped with covered headlamps and the first of only seventeen long-nose IR8 cars. Several unique features were incorporated at Rivolta's direction, and the car later underwent a full professional restoration spanning over 28 months.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$264,000
- —Auction saleSold US$500,000
- 1970 →Factory deliveryPiero Rivoltapartial documentation
Son of Iso founder Renzo Rivolta, Piero had taken over as managing director following his father's death in 1966. The car served as his personal vehicle and was used for promotional activities. During his tenure, engine damage led to modifications that were later adopted on subsequent production cars.
- 1982 → 2017-03-01Acquisition unknownCalifornian custodian and founding member of the Iso Bizzarrini Owners Clubpartial documentation
Based in California, this owner imported the car into the US and maintained a preservation-focused approach to its care. By the time of sale the vehicle had accumulated just over 87,000 kilometers from new.
- 2017-03-01 →Private saleCurrent owner (consignor)full documentation
Recognizing the car's historical importance, this owner commissioned a comprehensive restoration carried out by Mann's Restoration, which took more than 28 months and roughly 1,000 hours to complete.
Competition
- 19701970 Turin Motor Show
The vehicle was displayed as the Series II prototype, finished in white with a blue leather interior. A special wooden branding plaque was fitted to the dashboard specifically for this exhibition.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Repair
The original engine was damaged, believed to be the result of restricted airflow to the radiator. As a consequence, the front valance was revised, a change later adopted across subsequent Series II production cars.
Occurred during Piero Rivolta's ownership; precise date not recorded.
- —RestorationMann's Restoration
A comprehensive restoration was carried out over more than 28 months and approximately 1,000 hours of labour, with more than 400 hours devoted specifically to metalwork, bodywork, and paint. The car was returned to its original specification.
Commissioned by the current owner after acquiring the car in March 2017; restoration photographs and invoices are part of the accompanying documentation.
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