To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' The
Elkhart Collection event, 23 - 24 October 2020.
Estimate:
$325,000 - $375,000
- One of only 413 Iso Grifos built
- Formerly of the noted Sam and Emily Mann Collection
- 340 hp Chevrolet 327 V-8 and four-speed transmission-thrilling
performance
- Equipped with factory air-conditioning and power brakes
- Meticulously restored, in beautiful overall condition
The Iso Grifo was created by a powerhouse of Italian engineering
talent, including former Ferrari chief engineer and "father of the
GTO" Giotto Bizzarrini; designer Giorgetto Giugiaro; and revered
coachbuilders Bertone. A muscular gran turismo, its Bertone-built
coachwork surrounded an advanced chassis with de Dion rear axle and
inboard brakes, a configuration that reduced the unsprung weight
compared to a live rear axle. Power was provided by a Chevrolet 327
V-8 of the same specification used in contemporary Corvettes,
endowing the Grifo with ample performance and fine reliability. The
model remained in production into the early 1970s and saw a total
run of 413 examples in all configurations.
The example offered here was completed 15 October 1968 and
originally delivered in Italy. Formerly owned by the respected East
Coast restorer Mark Goyette and noted collector Randy Simon, it was
acquired for the current collection from the renowned stable of
multiple Pebble Beach Best of Show winners Sam and Emily Mann.
Powered by a 350 hp Chevy V-8, the Grifo is equipped with a
four-speed manual transmission and 3.07:1 rear axle. Everything is
beautifully clean and highly detailed, including the engine
compartment, which features the typical finishes of an Italian GT
of this era, including diamond-quilted insulation and sound
deadening. The interior is finished in tan leather, including the
center console, and is equipped with Veglia Borletti
instrumentation, Kienzle clock, Becker Europa II AM/FM radio,
air-conditioning, power windows, and a Nardi-Personal three-spoke
wood-rimmed steering wheel with Grifo-badged hub. The Grifo also
features an attractive Talbot-style side-view mirror as well as
sporty Campagnolo center-lock wheels. At the time of cataloguing,
the car had recorded 92,528 miles.
Reportedly capable of autostrada speeds upwards of 140 mph, the Iso
Grifo at one time was one of the world's fastest production cars.
This example remains true to that legend, having benefitted from a
meticulous restoration and excellent maintenance since by some of
the most discerning collectors.To view this car and others
currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/el20.
