1968 Iso Grifo

GL810191roadItaly

Engine: 7.0L V8 (big block Chevrolet), ~400 bhp, automatic transmission
Colour: Yellow

The 1968 Iso Grifo is a low-production Italian grand tourer combining a Giugiaro-penned Bertone body with American V-8 power on a Bizzarrini-engineered chassis. One of only 471 built, this example was originally delivered to Dutch businessman Maurits Caransa. It underwent a comprehensive frame-off restoration completed in 2005 at a reported cost exceeding €200,000, which included fitment of a big-block V-8, Porsche disc brakes, and power steering. It is among only six Grifos fitted with the rare Pavesi dual-panel sunroof.

Ownership

—Auction sale
Sold US$385,000
RM Sotheby's catalogue lot →
1968 →Factory delivery
Maurits Caransa
partial documentation
Dutch real estate developer who received the car new in white with black interior; later kidnapped in 1977 and personally negotiated his own ransom.
Date unknown
Subsequent owner who commissioned Negri restoration
partial documentation
Commissioned a comprehensive frame-off rebuild by Roberto and Federico Negri in the early 2000s, completed in 2005 at a cost exceeding €200,000; specified big-block engine swap, new automatic gearbox, Porsche disc brakes, and power steering.

Competition

No competition history extracted from the catalogue.

Maintenance & restoration

2005Restoration
Roberto and Federico Negri
Frame-off restoration covering full chassis work, body refinishing including front and rear panels, doors, and bonnet, replacement of the original small-block with a big-block V-8, fitting of a new automatic transmission, installation of Porsche ventilated disc brakes, and addition of power steering. Completed at a reported cost exceeding €200,000.
Work commenced in the early 2000s and was completed in 2005. The original Pavesi dual-panel sunroof and factory air conditioning were retained.

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