1970 Iso Grifo Series II Prototype (w/ startup)

A very rare grey (Grigio Argento Metallizzato) 1970 Iso Grifo Series II starting up and driving at Macchinissima II at the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens. This car, chassis no. GL050336, was originally finished in Polo White with blue interior and was displayed at the 1970 Turin Motor Show as the prototype for the restyled Series II Grifo which featured covered headlights. Unlike production examples, it was equipped with unique features such as a thicker steering wheel and relocated dashboard controls to accommodate an "Iso Rivolta" dashboard plaque. The car was featured in company brochures and advertising and was personally owned and driven by Piero Rivolta, son of founder Renzo Rivolta and head of the company after his father's passing. It is powered by a 350-horsepower Chevrolet Corvette V8 engine mated to a 5-Speed ZF manual transmission. Over 400 Grifos, including around 80 Series II cars, were built before Iso ceased all operations in 1974. This car has undergone a full restoration by Manns Restoration spanning over 28 months and was sold at the RM Sotheby's Amelia Island 2020 auction for $500,000.

I recently realized I hadn't posted a single video of an Iso even though I'd filmed several of them. So of course, I had to change that. There probably isn't a better way to concisely sum up the Grifo than as an Italian 'Vette. Its sleek styling resembles a C2 in many ways, though with an Italian flair. This is especially true of the Series II models with its pop-up headlights. And it's powered by Corvette engine, too. Like many cars of this era, the Grifo combines the best of American performance and engineering with European styling and luxury. And despite its American heart, it certainly looks right at home at an event filled with timeless Italian classics.

Would you choose this Iso Grifo over contemporary Italian-powered grand tourers? Leave a comment on YouTube and let me know!