1974-Iso-Grifo Series II

Description

1974 Iso Grifo Series II
s/n GL410412, engine no. 1870
Blue with Tan Interior

The Grifo is perhaps one of the most stunning, attractive, and desirable takes on what would eventually become a proven formula: a European chassis and body coupled with the robust and inexpensive performance provided by an American V8. The effectiveness of the Grifo is the result in large part of who designed and built it. The styling was by Giorgetto Giugiaro (while still at Bertone) and in addition to being objectively beautiful, is timeless and assertive while still being tasteful and sophisticated. It is no surprise that it should be so aesthetically appealing given that Giugiaro has designed a massive number of stunning cars ranging from the Alfa Romeo Giulia GT/GTV to the Lotus Esprit, and interestingly enough, the Gordon Keeble GK1, another hybrid that started, like the Grifo, with the 327cid Corvette engine, and ultimately inspired the Grifo’s predecessor, the Iso Rivolta.

The Grifo’s chassis and mechanical integration were also major contributors to the overall appeal of the car. Developed in large part by Giotto Bizzarrini, in tandem with the Grifo’s competition version (which would eventually become the Bizzarrini 5300), the chassis was sophisticated with coil springs all round, de Dion rear end, and tubular chassis, and inboard rear disc brakes. The engines were supplied by Chevrolet, but were disassembled and blue printed before installation in the Grifo, which coupled with a curb weight of less than 2500 pounds, made for a top speed of more than 160mph even with the small block Chevy. Later versions of the car could be equipped with the big block 427cid Corvette engine and could best 170mph, and eventually the last few dozen cars were built with Ford 351 Cleveland engines. The first production Grifos were available in 1965, and styling was updated in 1970 with a more modern look with semi-concealed headlamps and a lower front end.

This particular car, number 412, is an exceptionally important Grifo, being the last example built by Iso. It is well-documented and unambiguously regarded to be the last Grifo that Iso made and the only example completed by them in 1974. Finished on 29 July 1974, the car was originally serial number 371 and was completed on 17 April 1972. It was returned to the factory where a new engine was fitted and its automatic transmission was replaced with a ZF 5-speed. ZF power steering was also added, making it one of the 7 Grifos factory fitted with power steering. Additionally, the car has air conditioning. Like all late Grifos, the car was fitted with a Ford 351 Cleveland motor, and is one of approximately 34 Grifos so equipped. Color copies of the build sheets for both chassis number 371 and 412 (each of which cross references the other) are included with the car and the practice of renumbering these cars was not unheard to, with four other cars having been treated in this manner: 149/373, 153/265, 209/278, and 211/293.

The car was imported new to the United States by Iso Industries, the US distributor, and was originally finished in violet with dark blue leather interior. The car was imported to the United Kingdom in September 1991 and was at that time complete, sound, and ready for restoration. A comprehensive restoration was undertaken and the car finished in dark blue with tan leather interior. After the restoration, the car was sold at a Coys auction in 1995 to Robert Muller, also in the UK, who kept the car until its current owner purchased it in 2001. A resident of the San Francisco Bay Area, he imported the car from the United Kingdom and has proven to be a very enthusiastic keeper since then. When he purchased 412, he also owned Grifo number 083, along with an AC 428 Coupe.

During his ownership, the car has been shown regularly at Concorso Italiano, and was also invited to participate in the Quail Motorsports Gathering, where the car was displayed in 2012. The car was regularly and enthusiastically maintained during this period, and was repainted at a cost of approximately $38,000 just prior to its 2012 appearance at The Quail. The car was stripped to bare metal and repainted by the highly regarded restoration shop Images Auto Body in Campbell, California. Many maintenance jobs were performed over the years, including the fitment of Sebring mufflers, crossover pipe, and Pertronix electronic ignition system. The car sits on genuine Campagnolo alloy wheels with reproduction 3-eared spinners made by noted restorer Chuck Wray.

During this period and in years prior, the owner of the car contributed regularly to and served as the editor of Griffon, the Iso Bizzarrini Owner’s Club publication for 15 years. The car retains its matching numbers engine and is in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition. Its indicated mileage of 32,000km is believed to be from new and is consistent with the mileage readings dating back 25 years. There is extensive photographic documentation including the 1992 restoration, the 2012 repaint, and many photos from along the way in both the United Kingdom and in California.

Cosmetically, the car makes an excellent impression. The paintwork was done to high standards and shows beautifully, with essentially no blemishes of significance. The panels are straight and display excellent fit. The car was completely stripped during the 2012 repaint, and the body found to be excellent, with no rust or evidence of prior accident damage. The bright trim is excellent, with light swirls on the bumpers and slightly thin finish on a small area of the quarter window trims. The chrome is otherwise excellent and very difficult to fault. The lights and lenses are excellent and the glass is very good overall, with a few scratches to the front windscreen and driver’s side window. The wheels are in excellent shape.

The interior is excellent overall. Certain areas are in very nice original condition while others have been recently renewed. The leather is excellent throughout, as is the headliner. The dashboard appears to be original and is very nice considering this. The wood was renewed and is very nice, with an appropriate level of gloss that is not too shiny. The steering wheel appears to be in excellent unrestored condition. The dashboard vents, instruments, and switches have the honest appearance of an unrestored but well-kept example, looking neither worn out nor freshly restored.

The engine compartment is tidy with presentation appropriate for a nice driver level example. There is some soiling and aging to some of the finishes, but there is an honest appearance that supports the regular and attentive care the car has received. The correct Iso Rivolta valve covers are present. The trunk is nicely presented with high quality black wool carpet. The spare matching is in place with never used tire and leather hold down strap.

The car runs and drives well. The engine is generally well tuned and the car quite fast, although there is a slight hesitation just off idle that is rapidly superseded by enjoyable thrust and the unmistakable American V8 soundtrack. The gearbox works well, although second gear should be treated deliberately when cold, with a level of attention consistent with a well sorted Ferrari 275/330/365 gearbox. The brakes are effective and the suspension quite firm. The steering is light and precise, and the incorporation of power steering is a welcome usability enhancement. The car cruises effortlessly at high speed, easily outpacing modern traffic should the driver so desire.

The car is exceptionally documented with three photo albums ranging from the 1992 restoration to the car’s most recent displays in Monterey. There is also a reproduction spiral bound owner’s manual, parts catalog, and maintenance manual. A thick file of invoices is also included, along with miscellaneous correspondence and articles pertaining to the car and to the Iso marque in general. The car also comes with jack, matching spare, touch up paint, and car cover. Lastly a pristine hardbound copy of the Isorivolta book with slipcover, autographed by Giugiaro, Piero Rivolta, and the book’s author, Winston Goodfellow.

This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire one of the most significant Iso automobiles ever made. Unambiguously the last Grifo made by the Iso factory, this car represents the end of not only the Grifo, but also Iso since 1974 was their last year of production. This particular car is well-documented and it is clear that its owner of the last 15 years has been a rabidly enthusiastic steward, exactly the type of person from whom one would want to buy a unique car such as this. The car has already been invited to participate in Concorso Italiano 2015, where the 50th anniversary of the Grifo will see a large gathering of Grifos. Tom McDonnel, president of Concorso Italiano suggested that #412 should be placed in the special Grifo display next to chassis #001, which will also be present. This car, as the last example made, is a natural bookend and would make a fitting opportunity for the car’s new owner to share this significant car with an appreciative public.