Fantasy Junction

Description

1966 Iso Grifo A3/C Continuation
s/n 340086
White with Red 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. When designing his beautiful and impressively fast Iso Grifo, Renzo Rivolta relied upon one of Italy’s greatest automotive engineers, Giotto Bizzarrini, who designed the Ferrari 250 GTO and Testa Rossa. Mr. Bizzarrini designed the Iso Grifo with the necessary elements for success: the stout, reliable and easily tuned Chevrolet small-block V-8 engine and 4-speed gearbox from the Corvette, a welded-sheet platform frame, sophisticated suspension, and a svelte and aerodynamic body. Although it was double the price of a Corvette, it was significantly lighter and featured technical innovations which exceeded even the most exotic cars of the era. The resulting car was a true race car for the road that looked the part, with the roofline standing a mere 43" above the asphalt.

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, tubular chassis, and inboard rear disc brakes. The engines were supplied by Chevrolet but were disassembled and blue printed before installation in the Grifo.

Giotto Bizzarrini built his own version of the Grifo for racing, winning the big-bore GT class at Le Mans in 1964 and 1965. Although Bizzarrini GTs were developed as race cars, the two marques, Iso and Bizzarrini, coexisted. Iso built road Grifos while Bizzarrini built racing Grifos. Eventually their relationship soured but Bizzarrini had cleverly registered the Grifo name, reportedly at the suggestion of Nuccio Bertone, and traded its use to Iso for a supply of parts sufficient to build about 100 Bizzarrini 5300GT Stradas. Fitted with more rakish and exotic bodywork, the Bizzarrini 5300GT is rare, exotic, and aerodynamic. Early competition cars were designated Grifo A3/C prior to being separately identified as Bizzarrini 5300s.

Historians and enthusiasts of the Grifo and Bizzarrini 5300 are well aware that these cars were built in fits and starts over the years as parts became available to various enterprising individuals, and therefore there are often multiple claims to serial numbers and confusing trails of construction and ownership history. Faced with spending seven figures on a car of dubious history, the owner of this car ultimately selected a different path. He was made aware by Winston Goodfellow, one of the pre-eminent gurus of these cars, of a “continuation car” built in Italy by Roberto Negri, a former employee of Iso when these cars were originally built, and now the owner of il bottegone, a shop that maintains and restores these cars.

This car was one of five such cars built by Negri, a project on which he embarked about eight years ago. Using genuine Iso chassis and the original scheda (essentially blueprints), the cars are exceptionally accurate, down to the centimeter, and were built by the same individuals who built them when they were new. Indeed, Piero Rivolta gave his approval to officially name the cars Iso Rivolta A3/C and they are built using period correct parts. This particular car was built using the chassis, motor, and other components of an original Iso Rivolta needing restoration that was purchased from Gullwing Motorcars and shipped to Italy for its transformation. The build, completed in 2010, was executed with superlative attention to detail and accuracy and the result speaks for itself. It is a truly stunning and exciting car that accurately captures the aesthetic and driving experience of an original car, available for a fraction of the cost.

After completion and import to the US, this Iso was consigned in 2015 to Fantasy Junction and sold to Iso Rivolta and Grifo owner Chuck Wray. The car was subsequently sold to another performance car collector until finding current ownership in 2020. In 2021, the current owner commissioned over $25k of service work was performed by Grand Touring Enterprises, Frederick, MD. Highlights of these efforts included installing new wheel bearings, a new water pump and thermostat, new coolant hoses, brake lines (accumulator cleaned and serviced), calipers rebuilt with new O-rings, pads, and piston boots, new brake hoses, a new transmission mount, new drag link, new bump stop, new spark plug wires, voltage regulator adjustment, carburetor removed, cleaned, and reinstalled, differential fluid service, transmission service, and all fluids flushed and replenished.

Today this Iso presents as a beautiful and authentic example indistinguishable from the very few built in period. The quality of the workmanship is first rate throughout with competition details beautifully rendered from the external rivets to the large cooling vents and quick release fuel filler that operates through the rear window. Among the many distinctive features on this car, a set of A3C knock offs have been installed to enhance the cast alloy Campagnolo wheels. The paint is excellent, as are the various polished and plated brightwork pieces, glass, Carello headlights, emblems, and trim. The overall presentation reveals a show-ready, high caliber example done to the highest standards.

The interior is equally impressive and showcases the craftsmanship consistent to the exterior. The quality of the trimming and finishing is superb, from the vivid red leather to the high-quality wool carpets and red binding. The unusual instrument layout which places the primary instruments to the driver’s right has been faithfully recreated including a full suite of period correct Iso branded instrumentation. The padded central tunnel is beautifully trimmed matching the pleated cabin interior details, giving a single-minded competition-oriented purpose to the interior, which is underscored by the fixed rake bucket seats. The interior is fully trimmed, with carpet, leather, and full headliner, all of which are in superb condition. Completing the interior, a traditional wood rim steering wheel is appropriately lightly patinated from fortunate drivers and their engaging grip.

The engine compartment presents like new and is technically fascinating. The engine is mounted well back in the chassis, with the back of the motor located underneath the cowl. There is a sizable gap between the front of the motor and the front crossmember and this space is thoughtfully filled with various mechanical components including the brake boosters (to keep the hood low) and battery. This layout and the car’s stunning proportions underscore that this may very well be the ultimate iteration and evolution of front-engine sports cars before the transition to a mid-engine layout was adopted by the foremost producers of exotic cars. The engine compartment is beautifully finished, consistent with the standards of construction throughout and the care offered by dedicated owners since completion fourteen years ago. The trunk is fully trimmed and surprisingly large, with ample space for overnight bags, a full-sized spare, and an integrated tray to house the jack.

The driving experience is very exciting. The car is very low and the view from the driver’s seat is extremely evocative thanks to the unusual gauge layout, steeply raked windscreen, massive center tunnel, and beautiful fender contours. The engine starts easily and has a rugged raw character to the exhaust note but is surprisingly subdued in the interior. It is well-tuned and tractable, with civilized character for road use and plenty of power on tap for spirited driving. The clutch is aggressive and very communicative, but still quite manageable for street use. The gearbox is a pleasure to use with well-defined gates and good synchromesh. The brakes are effective, and the low, wide dimensions of the car give it sure-footed handling. All in all, this is an exciting car that makes any drive feel like an occasion and a welcome participant for events and touring.

This impressive Iso is accompanied by copies of the Certificate of Authenticity from Pier Attilio Rivolta, dyno test results from the original build, a copy of the Iso build sheet associated with the chassis, and service documentation under prior and current ownership.

This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a beautifully turned out and very thrilling car. The driving experience and aesthetics of the car are faithful to the original and the quality of the build is truly remarkable. Constructed on a genuine Iso chassis and titled as a 1966 Iso, this dynamic and exciting car offers wonderful street driving with the purity, directness, and excitement of a defined premium sports car of this era.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608