Iso Grifo Series I GL by Bertone RH
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Ražotājs : |
Iso |
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Modelis: |
Grifo Series I GL by Bertone RH |
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Gads: |
1963-1971 |
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Tips: |
Coupe |
The Iso Grifo is an Italian grand tourer automobile manufactured by Iso Autoveicoli S.p.A. between 1965 and 1974. Intended to compete with Ferrari and Maserati GTs, it used a series of American engines to simplify production, lower cost, and maximize reliability. Styling was by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Bertone, and mechanicals the work of Giotto Bizzarrini.
The first production GL models appeared in 1965 and were sold with modified Chevrolet Corvette small-block 327 (5.4 L) V8s fitted to Borg-Warner 4-speed manual transmissions. With over 400 horsepower (300 kW) and a vehicle weight of less than 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg), the Grifo was able to reach speeds over 275 km/h (171 mph).
In 1970 the Grifo Series II appeared, with sleeker styling and hide-away headlights and big-block Chevrolet 454 V8. It was replaced in 1972 with the Grifo IR-8, which used a small-block Ford Boss 351 engine. This was the last Iso of any type, as the manufacturer shut down in 1974.
In total, 322 Series I and 78 Series II, 34 of these – the final Isos built – had Ford’s Cleveland 351 V-8, cars were built for a total of 413 Grifos, 90 of which 7 Litri. The rarest are the Series II 5-speeds (23 units) and the Series II Targa (4 units). All Grifos are desirable because of their rarity.
In 1968 the Grifo 7 Litri was introduced with a Chevrolet L71 big-block engine, a Tri-Power version of the 427 engine. This seven-liter power plant required changes to the car to fit, and a hood scoop was needed because of the engine's height. It produced 435 hp (324 kW) at 5800 rpm and the factory claimed it could reach a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). Total 90 cars produced.
In 1970 a styling change was made to the nose section of the car for the Grifo Series II. It got a sleeker look and hide-away headlights. In this new Series II, four Targas were built, and for the IR-9 "Can Am" version the engine was switched from the 427 engines to the newer 454 engine. Production stopped in 1972.
