Iso Grifo A3/C

Iso Grifo A3/C

The Iso Grifo A3/C (Alluminio 3-litri Competizione) represented the Italian manufacturer's entry into GT racing during the mid-1960s. While Iso Rivolta was known for combining Italian design with American V8 reliability, the A3/C took this concept to racing extremes with lightweight aluminum bodywork, competition-prepared Chevrolet V8 power, and a chassis developed by the legendary Giotto Bizzarrini.

Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro during his time at Bertone, the Grifo's flowing lines were both beautiful and functional. The A3/C featured aluminum body panels instead of steel, Plexiglass windows, and minimal interior trim, reducing weight to approximately 2,425 pounds. The tubular chassis, also designed by Bizzarrini, featured a de Dion rear suspension setup that was advanced for its era.

Power came from a Corvette-sourced 327 cubic inch (5.4L) V8 producing approximately 400 horsepower in competition tune, though the 'A3' designation suggested 3-liters for homologation purposes. This potent combination delivered devastating performance, with 0-60 mph in just 5.3 seconds and a top speed exceeding 171 mph. The manual gearbox was a robust Borg Warner T-10 4-speed.

Only 29 A3/C models were produced to meet homologation requirements, making them extraordinarily rare today. These cars competed successfully in GT racing throughout the late 1960s, though they were overshadowed by Ferrari's factory efforts. Today, the Iso Grifo A3/C is recognized as one of the most significant Italian-American hybrid sports cars, combining the best of both continents into a stunning and potent package.