Iso, an Italian car brand, initially carved its niche in the automotive world with the Isetta, a microcar so successful that BMW acquired its production rights, dramatically boosting their own fortunes. Founded by Renzo Rivolta, Iso expanded into more ambitious automotive projects in the early 1960s. Among their creations was the Iso Rivolta GT, a luxurious grand tourer combining American muscle—in the form of a Chevrolet engine—with Italian design finesse provided by Giorgetto Giugiaro and engineering genius Giotto Bizzarrini, who had previously worked with Ferrari.
The Iso Grifo, another brainchild of this potent collaboration, epitomized the fusion of American power and Italian styling. Introduced in the mid-1960s, the Grifo was available in both luxury (Lusso, or A3/L) and racing (Corsa, or A3/C) versions. It featured a sleek design by Giugiaro and powerful V8 engines from Chevrolet, allowing it to achieve speeds competitive with the best sports cars of its era.
However, the 1970s oil crisis and other economic challenges forced Iso to cease car production by 1974. Decades later, the Iso name was revived in 2017 with the launch of the Iso Rivolta GTZ, a limited edition model designed by Zagato and featuring modern technology while paying homage to its storied past. This resurrection symbolizes a new chapter for Iso, blending historical legacy with contemporary innovation.
