Iso Grifo GL 365
The Iso Grifo GL 365 represents one of the most successful marriages of Italian coachwork and American power in automotive history. Created by Renzo Rivolta's Iso company, designed by the legendary Giotto Bizzarrini, and styled by a young Giorgetto Giugiaro at Bertone, the Grifo was a grand tourer of exceptional capability and breathtaking beauty.
The GL 365 was powered by a Chevrolet Corvette-derived 327 cubic-inch (5,359cc) V8 producing 365 horsepower at 6,200 rpm. The engine was mated to either a four-speed manual gearbox or a GM automatic, providing effortless performance. The American V8 was chosen for its reliability, availability of parts, and massive torque — qualities that complemented the Italian chassis beautifully.
Giugiaro's design for the Grifo is widely regarded as one of his finest. The long, low body featured dramatic cut lines, a prominent air scoop on the hood, and elegant proportions that managed to look both muscular and refined. The cabin was beautifully appointed with leather, polished aluminum, and Veglia instrumentation. The Grifo was a car that could serve as both a high-speed touring machine and a work of art.
Bizzarrini's chassis was derived from the Iso Rivolta GT, using a steel platform with tubular subframes. The front suspension used double wishbones with coil springs, while the rear featured a de Dion axle — a sophisticated arrangement that combined the lateral location advantages of independent suspension with the camber stability of a solid axle. The result was handling that was composed and predictable, even at the car's considerable top speed of over 260 km/h.
Disc brakes at all four corners provided the stopping power that a car of this performance demanded. The overall driving experience combined the best of both worlds: Italian precision in steering and chassis dynamics, with the effortless, torquey power delivery of the American V8.
Approximately 412 Grifos were produced between 1965 and 1974 across all engine variants. The Grifo remains one of the most beautiful and underappreciated grand tourers of the 1960s, offering a driving experience and aesthetic appeal that rivals far more expensive and famous contemporaries.
Verify chassis and body numbers through the Iso Rivolta Owners Club registry. Chevrolet engine parts are readily available but Iso-specific components are rare. Check for chassis corrosion in the tubular subframes. De Dion rear axle bushings and joints wear with age. Bertone-built body panels are unique and expensive to reproduce. Documentation and provenance significantly affect value.
Produced at Iso's factory in Bresso, near Milan, Italy from 1965 to 1974. Approximately 412 Grifos were built across all engine variants. The bodies were crafted by Bertone to Giugiaro's design. The chassis was engineered by Giotto Bizzarrini.