1964 Iso Rivolta

The Iso Rivolta occupies a unique position among the great European grand touring cars of the 1960s. Conceived by industrialist Renzo Rivolta, engineered by Giotto Bizzarrini, and styled by a young Giorgetto Giugiaro at Bertone, the IR 300 combined Italian sophistication with dependable American V8 power. The formula was brilliantly simple: elegant coachwork, advanced chassis engineering, and readily serviceable Chevrolet mechanicals. The result was a refined high-speed grand tourer capable of competing with the finest offerings from Ferrari, Maserati, and Aston Martin while offering greater practicality and reliability.

Introduced in 1962, the Rivolta was the first automobile developed under Isos grand touring program and laid the foundation for the marques later successes, including the Grifo and Bizzarrini 5300 GT. Beneath its handsome Bertone-designed bodywork was a sophisticated platform featuring independent front suspension, a De Dion rear axle, and four-wheel disc brakes with inboard rear units. Combined with Chevrolets robust V8, the IR 300 delivered effortless performance and exceptional long-distance touring capability. Production remained limited, with just 797 examples completed between 1962 and 1970.

Offered here is chassis number 303, a well-presented and highly usable example finished in red over black leather upholstery. According to available records, the car spent time in Luxembourg before being imported to Germany via Switzerland. Notably, it reportedly resided in a museum collection from 1978 through 2000 before undergoing an extensive refurbishment in Italy. The work encompassed the mechanical systems, body, and paintwork, with accompanying invoices and photographic documentation detailing the restoration.

The Rivolta presents as an attractive drivers example that benefits from thoughtful mechanical upgrades intended to enhance reliability and enjoyment. Power comes from a Chevrolet 350 cubic-inch V8 fitted with an Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold, Edelbrock 1407 carburetor, Blueprint cylinder heads, and a replacement 350 block. The four-speed manual transmission has been overhauled, while a high-performance aluminum radiator contributes to improved cooling performance. These updates preserve the spirit of the original design while making the car particularly well suited for modern touring and road use.

The exterior retains the clean, understated elegance that has made the IR 300 one of Giugiaros most admired early designs. Finished in red, the body is complemented by polished stainless steel bumpers, Carello fog lamps, distinctive front and rear fender vents, a hood scoop, and 15-inch Borrani wire wheels fitted with knock-off hubs. The black leather interior offers a sporting yet comfortable environment, featuring power windows, a Blaupunkt radio, and the thoughtful ergonomics expected of a grand touring automobile designed for long-distance travel.

On the road, the Iso delivers precisely the experience that made these cars so appealing when new. The torquey Chevrolet V8 provides effortless performance, while the sophisticated chassis offers a blend of comfort and composure that belies the cars age. With its Italian styling, fascinating pedigree, documented restoration history, and upgraded mechanical specification, this IR 300 represents an excellent opportunity to acquire one of the most distinctive and rewarding grand touring cars of the 1960s. Rare, handsome, and highly usable, it remains a compelling alternative to its more commonly seen contemporaries.

Offers welcome and trades considered.