Fantasy Junction

Description

1968 Iso Grifo Coupe
s/n GL 710121 engine no. 120-F-0907RD
Light Blue Metallic with Saddle Leather Interior

Occupying a unique place among Italian GT`s, the Iso Grifo truly has ingredients for greatness. The svelte styling was by Giorgio Giugiaro at Bertone, and the chassis designed by Bizzarrini, famous, for among other things, the Ferrari GTO. Featuring all around disc brakes (inboard at the rear), tube frame chassis, de Dion rear axle, and coil springs all around, the chassis was sophisticated and decidedly European, while the powerplants were venerable and durable eight cylinder Corvette engines.

This particular example is fitted with a 327cid 300hp engine topped by a 4-barrel carburetor. It was imported to the United States from Italy in the early 1980`s by Winston Goodfellow, and has remained in California since then, aside from 9 months spent on the East Coast. It has had approximately four owners and remains an attractive and honest car. It has recently had mechanical work by Chuck Wray of Dew Motocars, including renewal of the suspension, including shock absorbers and bushings. It was repainted many years ago and remains in its original color, and with its original interior.

Cosmetically, the car is an attractive driver with some patina. The body is quite straight and predominantly rust free, but does show slight bubbling in the typical areas, such as the bottoms of the doors. The paint is older and was completed to standards consistent with the car`s contemporary value, but is not to the standards expected of a car of this caliber today. There are a handful of cracks and chips to the paintwork, all of which contribute to its honest feel. The chrome is very nice, particularly on the bumpers, with light surface scratches only, while the window trims show some pitting. The car sits on recent Pirelli tires and correct and evocative alloy wheels, which would benefit from fresh paint.

The interior is extremely original and very well preserved. The steering wheel rim has been refinished and is like new, while the driver`s seat has been selectively reupholstered, in leather some years ago. The remainder of the interior is original and displays wonderful patina. The headliner is in excellent order, and the dashboard, console and door trims are very nice. The wood on the dashboard is excellent, save for a small area where it has gone missing below the radio. The carpets are in good shape, and the instruments are intact and well-preserved, though the tachometer is not properly calibrated at this time. The car has been fitted with Sfi competition type lap belts.

The engine compartment is extremely clean and tidy, though not quite to show standards. The car is fitted with tubular headers, performance air filter element, and polished valve covers, which in conjunction with the engine`s placement behind the front axle, confirm that this is not the typical application for this engine.

The trunk is original and the spare alloy is still in place, still wearing its Pirelli Cinturato and held in place with the original leather strap. The jack is also in place. The underside is quite solid and predominantly rust-free. The floors were replaced and are accordingly rust-free; while the mechanical components are clean indicate recent care.

This is a wonderful opportunity to acquire an honest and attractive example of this desirable car. It makes a strong overall presentation, particularly in its great color combination. Mechanically robust and recently serviced, but also attractive and stylish in a typically Italian fashion, this car is an ideal example to actually use without fear of spoiling it. Alternatively, it would make an ideal basis for sympathetic restorative work. Thanks to the fitment of the widely available Corvette engine, servicing this car will also be both less frequent and less expensive than for the more mainstream Italian exotics of the period. With only 471 examples of the Grifo built, the majority of which were sold in Europe and have thus deteriorated significantly due to its climate, this is a very rare chance to acquire a sound and honest example of this underappreciated model.

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