Iso Grifo (1965–1974). The Italian Supercar with an American Heart
When we talk about classic Italian sports cars, names like Ferrari or Maserati usually take center stage. But in the 1960s, a unique brand emerged that blended exquisite Italian design with raw American power. Its name was Iso Grifo.
This rare automotive gem became a symbol of its era: aggressive styling, hand-crafted quality, and thrilling performance. Today, the Iso Grifo is a dream car for collectors and a standout choice for enthusiasts who appreciate something truly out of the ordinary. Especially in destinations like the UAE, where luxury and exclusivity meet the thrill of driving, the Grifo fits right in.
From Fridges to Supercars: The Iso Story
Iso’s roots weren’t automotive. The company’s founder, Renzo Rivolta, initially produced refrigerators and scooters. In the mid-1950s, Rivolta helped post-war BMW survive by selling them the license and tooling for the Isetta microcar. The funds from that deal fueled his ambition to build high-end grand tourers under the Italian flag.
For the technical backbone, he hired none other than Giotto Bizzarrini, a former Ferrari engineer. Bizzarrini developed the Grifo’s chassis layout: a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive setup with double wishbone independent suspension at the front and a De Dion axle at the rear — a rare choice that gave the Grifo outstanding handling and high-speed stability.
The Perfect Formula: Italian Style Meets American Muscle
The first Grifo was styled by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro, then working at Bertone. He sculpted a low-slung, muscular coupe with a long hood, flared arches, and fluid lines — an ideal marriage of elegance and aggression.
Under the hood sat a 5.4-liter Chevrolet Corvette V8 (327 ci), producing between 300 and 365 horsepower, depending on the variant. Buyers could choose between a 4-speed Borg-Warner T-10 manual or a 3-speed GM Turbo-Hydramatic automatic. With this setup, the Grifo could reach a top speed of 275 km/h (171 mph) — impressive even by modern standards.
In 1968, Iso launched the Grifo 7 Litri, powered by a monstrous 7.0-liter Chevrolet V8 L71 (427 ci), delivering 435 horsepower. This was the true fusion of American muscle and Italian finesse: 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in just about 5 seconds, and a top speed exceeding 300 km/h (186 mph). These versions came with uprated brakes, wider track, reinforced suspension, and a signature hood bulge to accommodate the massive engine.
Exclusivity Comes at a Price
The Iso Grifo was never built for the masses. A total of around 413 units were produced over two generations — Series I (1965–1970) and Series II (1970–1974). The latter featured a redesigned hood, quad headlights, and a slightly revised interior.
In 1966, the Grifo carried a hefty price tag in the UK: £5,950 after taxes. That meant it cost:
£1,000 more than the Aston Martin DB6
£300 more than the Maserati Mistral
Just £23 less than the iconic Ferrari 275 GTB
Right-hand-drive versions are incredibly rare — only 30 units were ever made.
Iso Grifo: More Than Just a Classic
For modern-day car lovers, the Iso Grifo is far more than just a vintage vehicle. It’s a work of automotive art, a masterclass in engineering, and a living tribute to an era when passion often mattered more than profit. It’s the perfect car for collectors or those looking for a head-turning piece of driving history — especially in the UAE, where appreciation for performance, design, and exclusivity runs deep.
Renting or showcasing a car like the Iso Grifo isn’t just about the drive. It’s about experiencing a time when supercars were handcrafted with soul and ambition — not just produced by the thousands.
The Iso Grifo isn’t just a middle ground between Ferrari and Aston Martin — it’s a chapter of its own in the supercar legacy. Bold, rare, and unforgettable. Exactly the kind of car that makes Dubai’s roads just a little more legendary.
