• One of only four Series II Iso Grifos specified with Targa bodywork
• Powered by a 5.7-litre Chevrolet V-8 engine mated to a five-speed ZF manual transmission
• Supplied new to Sonntag of Koblenz, Germany
• Offered from 25 years of ownership

Renzo Rivolta was an omnipresent industrialist and serial innovator. Tracing his manufacturing roots to before World War II, he built everything from refrigerators to scooters before the sale of his Isetta bubble car venture to German giant BMW. The proceeds of the deal launched Iso Rivolta as a car manufacturer proper, with its eponymous Bertone-styled four-seat coupé arriving in 1962, followed three years later by the sportier Grifo.

Styled by Bertone’s Giorgetto Giugiaro and engineered by Giotto Bizzarrini, the new model was a gran turismo in every sense and a true competitor to the Ferrari Daytona and Maserati Ghibli. But like the Rivolta—and very unlike its rivals from Emilia Romagna—the Grifo was powered by an American V-8. Simple, rugged and powerful, Chevrolet’s 5.4-litre small block was rated at 300 horsepower, offering performance to match Bertone’s eye-catching coachwork.

By 1968, the 186-mph 7-Litri arrived, propelled by Chevrolet’s famed “L71” Tri-Power V-8. Things only got better two years later with the debut of the Series II, which brought with it more refined styling with stunning and contemporary hide-away headlamps—not to mention the option of the Bowtie’s 7.4-litre big-block V-8, which was fine-tuned with forged connecting rods and dry-sump lubrication.

Due to eye-watering cost, just four Series II cars left the factory with open-topped Targa coachwork; chassis 350 is one of these special examples. The car was built on 4 July 1971, specified with a reinforced chassis frame and 300-horsepower 5.7-litre Chevrolet V-8 mated to a five-speed ZF manual gearbox and 3.31:1 rear axle. The car was also fitted with factory air conditioning.

The Grifo was sold through Koblenz dealership, Sonntag, and was registered to its first owner in Aachen, Germany on 30 July 1971. Accompanying historic documents show that the car was registered in a company name in February 1976, before being registered to a private individual on 22 March 1977. The car later passed into the care of the consigning owner, and has been in his collection for the past 25 years. During his ownership, the Grifo is understood to have been subject to an engine rebuild; an outline of claimed works is on file.

This remarkable Iso Grifo presents in black over a contrasting white leather interior, the striking colour combination complemented by Campagnolo magnesium wheels. One of just four examples to feature both Targa coachwork and improved Series II styling, this rare Iso Grifo presents collectors of landmark Italian supercars an opportunity to acquire a model that rarely comes to market.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/pa23.