Iso Lele V8
The Iso Lele, named after Iso's owner Piero Rivolta's wife, was introduced in 1969 as the successor to the original Iso Rivolta IR 300. Designed by Marcello Gandini at Bertone — the same designer responsible for the Lamborghini Miura and Countach — the Lele was a more modern, angular grand tourer that reflected the design trends of the late 1960s.
Gandini's design was characterized by sharp creases, a wedge-shaped profile, and distinctive C-pillars that gave the Lele a more aggressive stance than its predecessor. The large glass area provided excellent visibility, and the overall proportions — long hood, compact cabin, short tail — were classic GT in the best Italian tradition.
The Lele marked Iso's switch from Chevrolet to Ford V8 power. The 5.8-liter (351 cubic-inch) Ford Cleveland V8 produced 325 horsepower, providing the effortless performance expected of a car in this class. Like its predecessor, the Lele benefited from the American engine's reliability and wide parts availability. A five-speed ZF manual gearbox was standard, with a three-speed automatic optional.
The chassis continued the proven Iso formula with independent front suspension using double wishbones and the sophisticated De Dion rear axle with Watts linkage. This combination gave the Lele handling that was more composed and predictable than most of its competitors, with the De Dion rear end providing excellent traction and stability.
Inside, the Lele was finished to a high standard with leather upholstery, comprehensive instrumentation, and air conditioning. The 2+2 cabin offered reasonable rear seat space for a car of this type, making it a practical touring car as well as a sporting one.
The Lele's production life was cut short by the 1973 oil crisis, which made large-displacement, fuel-thirsty GTs deeply unfashionable. Only 317 were built before Iso closed its doors in 1974. Today, the Lele represents an unusual and compelling alternative to the more established Italian GTs of the era, offering comparable performance and superior reliability at a fraction of the price of a contemporary Ferrari or Maserati.
The Ford 351 Cleveland V8 is reliable and well-supported with universal parts availability. Focus on chassis and body condition — rust is the primary enemy. The De Dion rear axle requires specialist knowledge for proper maintenance. Bertone body panels are hand-formed and expensive to replace. Check for structural rust in the sills, floors, and subframe mounts. Electrical systems are a mix of Italian and American components. Interior leather and trim must be custom-made for restoration. Connect with the Iso owners' community for technical support and parts sourcing.
317 units were produced between 1969 and 1974. Early cars used the Ford 351 Cleveland V8; some very early examples may have used the Chevrolet 327. Both manual and automatic transmissions were offered. An uprated 'Sport' version with approximately 365 hp was available. The 1973 oil crisis devastated demand and Iso closed in 1974. A brief revival attempt in 1974-75 produced a handful of additional cars.