Fantasy Junction

Description

1967 Iso Rivolta
s/n *420637*, engine no. *989*
Red with Black Leather Interior

With elegant and refined styling by Giorgetto Giugiaro, coachwork by Bertone, and a performance GT chassis designed by Giotto Bizzarrini, famed engineer for the Ferrari GTO, the Iso Rivolta launched to the automotive world with prodigious backing and a promising future. Featuring four-wheel disc brakes (inboard at the rear), tube frame chassis, de Dion rear axle, and coil springs all around, the chassis was sophisticated, refined, and competition bred. Under the hood, the capable and durable 5.4 liter V8 Corvette engine delivered competitive performance numbers, challenging many top contenders.

This particular Iso Rivolta is presented in beautiful colors, fitted with the original, numbers matching 327cid 300hp engine topped by a 4-barrel carburetor and automatic transmission. The history of the car is known back to 1994 when the previous owner purchased it at the Monterey Auction. In 2010 the car was sold to the current owner who has spent roughly $50,000.00 on the car improving and restoring it while maintaining the original engine, original factory colors, and factory installed air conditioning. During his ownership, the inner and outer rocker panels were remade and new floors were installed. The front suspension was comprehensively rebuilt, all the brakes were rebuilt including the power booster, a new water pump was installed, a new Holley 4 barrel carburetor was installed, and various electrical issues addressed including installing new power window motors. New Pirelli tires, and new tail light lenses were also installed. The interior was freshened with newly redone front seats using correct perforated leather. The car was shown at the Quail in 2012 for the 50th anniversary of Iso, 2011 Concorso, Monterey where it won 2nd in the Iso GT class, 2011 Palo Alto Concours, a few times at the Alameda Italian Car show, and at most recently at the 2017 Hillsborough Concours.

Cosmetically, the car is a very attractive driver exhibiting a handsome combination of excellent original components and properly restored areas. The paint is in nice condition overall, completed to fine standards when done, but now showing a few small cracks and minor dings, all of which contribute to the honest presentation. The chrome is very nice, particularly on the bumpers, with only light surface scratches and minor dings showing. The car sits on newly purchased Pirelli tires (toughly 200 miles ago) and beautifully finished Dayton wire wheels, while the spare tire retains an original cast aluminum rim. The remaining trim, glass and lenses are all in keeping with the generally nice condition of the car. The car currently showing 78,236 believed original miles.

The interior is very well preserved. The recently recovered front seats are done sympathetically and correctly with proper materials echoing the finish of the rest of the car. The dashboard is in fine condition with no major flaws of note to the top surface, but showing light aging on the wood veneer. Exceptionally nice instruments show vivid color and numbers, and a warmly hued wooden steering wheel finishes off the presentation. Some surfaces of the lower dash are baggy, particularly in the air conditioning venting area. Various lenses and emblems are all in nice condition including switches and knobs often found lacking in cars of this age. Carpeting is in good condition as is the headliner, door panels, and rear seating.

The engine compartment is quite clean and tidy, though not detailed to show standards, it still appears largely finished to original specifications and properly maintained. The matching numbers engine is outfitted with factory air conditioning, which is currently plumbed, though not operational. It will need to be serviced and updated to R34. Properly finished in correct colors and with proper satin black finish, the engine area is well composed and consistent with the condition of the car.

The ample trunk remains largely original and properly finished, housing the correct spare alloy rim as well as the jack, properly mounted in the factory tower housing. The underside of the car is very nicely maintained and shows very well, though not prepared as a show car. The exceptionally clean and solid floor panels and rocker panels are in very nice condition, having been recently professionally replaced.

Of note is the inner trunk lid insulation mat, which was signed by the dynamic Pierro Rivolta a few years ago. One must remember that the talented 25 year old took over the company after his fathers untimely passing, literally in the midst of the Rivolta launch. A photo of Mr. Rivolta sitting in the car and also signing the inner trunk is included in the gallery of images. The signature has been preserved and remains on the car today.

The car starts easily without hesitation, bursting to life with a satisfying cadence, then settling into a deep rumble, ready for elegant touring or performance spurts. The composure and elegance of this car surprises even the most familiar drivers once on the road. While it is tempting to consider a manual transmission, here the automatic is so delightfully balanced it reveals a fine combination in keeping with the GT spirit of this car. Far from being a finicky and difficult to drive exotic, this Iso Rivolta glides comfortably down the road, and responds nicely to bursts of encouragement at the throttle. Clearly the thoughtful mechanical attention combined with enjoyable cosmetics blend together in a very satisfying package, much as it was when first delivered new in 1967. Included with the car are recent service documents, ownership paperwork, and some general reference materials for service and repair.

Ready for enjoyable driving or long range touring, this is a wonderful opportunity to acquire a well-prepared and attractive example of one of the most sought after independent Italian GT cars. Conceived of and built by a Who’s Who of Italian design and development, the Iso Rivolta represents one of the finest luxury GT cars of this period. Mechanically robust and properly serviced, this Rivolta is an ideal example for anyone who enjoys driving their vintage cars, content on the open road, delighting in the engine sounds, and the pleasant combination of Italian flare and American reliability.

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