To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' The
Elkhart Collection event, 1 - 2 May 2020.
- Restored by Iso experts Roberto and Federico Negri
- One of only six produced with a Pavesi sunroof
- Tastefully upgraded to the ultimate "7-Litri"
specification
- Equipped with factory air-conditioning
- Veteran of the 2016 Copperstate 1000
Italian manufacturer Iso's beautiful Grifo offered a remarkable
combination of a chassis designed by Italy's great automotive
engineer Giotto Bizzarrini, a reliable Chevrolet V-8 engine, and
svelte coachwork drawn by Giorgetto Giugiaro and built by Bertone.
The result managed to look both sensual and aggressive at the same
time but was also a highly competent grand-touring automobile. Only
471 examples were produced in a healthy production run that lasted
until 1974. Today the cars continue to enjoy considerable favor
with enthusiasts the world over for their combination of power,
style, and comfort.
The Grifo GL Series I offered here was delivered new to the Dutch
real estate mogul Maurits Caransa, who was kidnapped in 1977 and
famously negotiated his own $4 million ransom payment! It was
delivered in white with a black interior, a 327 cu. in. engine, and
automatic transmission. Most significantly, this was one of just
six Grifos delivered with an original and rather unusual Pavesi
sunroof, featuring dual removable panels as a sort of "enclosed
T-top" arrangement, and was also fitted with factory
air-conditioning. In sum, it was amply optioned for enjoying the
best that long-distance European travel could offer.
In the early 2000s, a subsequent owner in the Netherlands entrusted
the Iso to well-known marque specialists Roberto and Federico
Negri, who completed a full restoration in a bright Giallo. In the
course of this work, the car was upgraded to the ultimate "7-Litri"
specification, with a period-correct 427 cu. in. V-8 and new
automatic transmission, and was also fitted with Porsche ventilated
disc brakes and power steering. According to Federico Negri, the
job was very complete, with the front and rear clips, doors, and
hood all properly restored, along with the chassis. Work was
wrapped up in 2005 at a reported cost of over €200,000.
In its current ownership since 2015, the car has been upgraded with
a new butterscotch leather interior and was driven with ease on the
2016 Copperstate 1000, running straight and true and challenging
all comers with its performance. Indeed, RM Sotheby's specialist
Donnie Gould marveled at the Iso's performance, noting rather
abashedly that it was the only thing that could outrun his Shelby
GT-for those who know Donnie, quite an admission!
Very well-suited for further vintage rallies, in comfort and style,
this is one of the best-prepared and striking Grifos
available-built by specialists to the ultimate specifications, with
its original Pavesi sunroof and the uprated "7-Litri" engine
rumbling menacingly beneath the bold "penthouse" hood.To view this
car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit
the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/el20.
