Early on in production, Iso hit on a highly successful formula: shoehorning powerful American V-8 engines into small, lightweight, Italian coachwork penned by some of the best designers in history. Their first offering, a four-seater called the Rivolta, was powered by a 300-brake horsepower Corvette engine. The profits from this project enabled Iso to develop a companion two-seater known as the Grifo. Designed by Bertone with the assistance of noted designer Giorgio Giugiaro, the Grifo was powered initially by Chevrolet’s venerable 327-cubic-inch V-8. By 1970, however, Grifos like the car offered here were powered by the iconic Chevrolet 427-cubic-inch V-8, or the 7-Litri as it was referred to by Iso. The same Chevrolet motor had gained notoriety by powering Corvette race cars around the most storied racing circuits in the world. In period, Iso claimed their 7-liter Grifos were capable of achieving186 mph, a very impressive feat. Though limited in production, these 7-Litris were highly desirable when new and remain so to this day.
