At the 1968 Geneva Motor Show, Iso introduced a new performance variant of the Grifo model with a much larger engine. Company director Piero Rivolta had ordered a seven-liter Chevrolet V-8 for his use in powerboat racing, but before long he decided to drop the motor into one of the Grifos. A preferred customer was persuaded to write a check for the proposed car, and Iso’s engineers set about modifying chassis 201 to accommodate the mammoth big-block engine.

The most distinctive visual change was the addition of a functional pagoda-style hood scoop, which fed air to a four-barrel carburetor. Featuring a special “7 Litri” badge on the rear pillars, the so-called super Grifo was a smashing success at Geneva, prompting a rush of customer orders. The 7 Litri has since evolved into one of the most collectible Grifo variants, as the ultimate fulfillment of the car’s original American-muscle mandate.

According to a copy of the Scheda de Charistica, included with the sale, the striking Series I Iso Grifo offered here was built on April 7, 1969, and given the chassis 7L930.260. It was originally finished in Rosso Pelle Bianca (Red over White Leather) and fitted with a 427 cid (seven liter) Chevrolet engine, no. 1362. Further research conducted by the consignor revealed that the Iso Grifo’s first owner was Henry Moore III of Connecticut. Reportedly, at the time of purchase, Mr. Moore was a banker living in Switzerland and through the purchase developed a friendship with Piero Rivolta, culminating in Mr. Moore assisting in establishing Iso dealerships in the US. Shortly after the purchase, Mr. Moore returned to the US with the Iso Grifo and retained it until the mid-1970s, at which time the car was sold to John Mastroianni, also of Connecticut. Mr. Mastroianni, an exotic car collector, mechanic, and owner of Auto Turismo Sport Ltd., used the car sparingly until 2017, when it was sold to the consignor, a Southern California collector with an affinity for Iso Grifos.

Having owned many examples in the past, the consignor enlisted the area’s top craftsman to bring his new acquisition up to the current fine standard seen today. The Iso Grifo was finished in striking Sera Blu (Evening Blue) paint, applied by Beckman Metalworks and beautifully highlighted by a Cognac leather interior trimmed by Pete Engle. Furthermore, minor mechanical details were addressed by the consignor.

Benefiting from sympathetic restoration work executed to very high standards, this 7 Litri is among the finest examples seen in recent years. Offered with a copy of its factory build sheet, tool kit, books, and jack, this early Iso Grifo represents a rare opportunity to experience a marriage of power and style seldom seen today.

*Please note that this vehicle is titled as 930260.