1974 Iso Grifo 7-Liter Sold for $440,000 Including Commission RM Auction, Amelia Island, Florida 2014 Chassis no. 250223 Serial no. 413 Amelia Island 8 March 2014 Previous Next Contact Us Lot 111 1974 Iso Grifo 7-Liter To be auctioned on Saturday, March 8, 2014 Sold for $440,000 Chassis no. 250223 Serial no. 413 400 bhp, 7.0-liter Chevrolet V-8 engine, Richmond six-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension, de Dion rear axle with longitudinal and transverse links and coil springs, and front and rear disc brakes. Wheelbase: 98.4 in. •"The Ennezeta"; the last car on the Grifo production line in 1974 •Utilizes features not seen on any other Iso Grifo •Tastefully modified for grand touring •Invited to The Quail in 2012 as part of the 50 years of Iso display The Iso Grifo was a sportier and more powerful descendant of the Iso Rivolta, and it was graced with a gorgeous body designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and a powertrain from the Chevrolet Corvette. Utilizing the best aspects of American and Italian automotive design, the Grifo managed to look both sensual and aggressive simultaneously, while also proving to be an exceptional grand touring automobile. There's no doubt that the Grifo on sale today boasts an incredibly unique and interesting history. This very car was the last of the 413 Grifos on the assembly line when the factory shut down in 1974. The car was left unfinished, and it departed the factory destined for Ennezeta, a well-known fabrication firm that was established by several former Iso employees who purchased the remaining parts from the factory. Under their custody, it became the last Iso Grifo produced, and it was later assigned a 1967-era VIN. Additionally, this car boasts several special features that make it unique among Iso Grifos, namely the presence of a more traditional hood with a lower scoop rather than those with the "pagoda"-style hood seen on other 427- and 454-powered Grifos. This car also has rear brake cooling ducts, which were cut into the lower valence panels and are also a feature unique to this Grifo. It is believed to have been owned by Salvatore Diomante, Bizzarrini's factory manager, during the 1980s, and it is believed that these features were installed on the car at this time. This car, nicknamed the "the Ennezeta" in Grifo owner's circles, was purchased by its current owner in 2003, who immediately commissioned Autosport Designs, of Huntington Station, New York, to perform several modifications to make the car more comfortable to drive great distances. The factory ZF five-speed manual transmission was removed and a Richmond six-speed gearbox was installed in its place. All of its original components, including the shift knob and boot, were utilized to maintain cosmetic originality. In addition to an electronic ignition, a stereo with a trunk-mounted CD changer and speakers were discreetly installed underneath the parcel shelf. Maintaining the same level of discretion, the controller for the speakers is located in the ashtray and the speakers themselves can easily be hidden from view to not disrupt the overall original appearance of the car. It should also be noted that service receipts from Autosport Designs are included with the sale. In 2012, the Ennezeta was invited to The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering as part of the special 50 Years of Iso Class, where it was displayed among other show-quality Isos. The car was very well received for its overall appearance and its important place in Iso Grifo history. In being the last car on the assembly line when Iso closed its doors in 1974, this Grifo holds a unique place in the history of the marque, and it is well known to other Grifo owners. This Iso Grifo boasts modern upgrades to make it more comfortable for long-distance driving. It is undoubtedly a unique piece of Iso Grifo history, and it would be ideal for the individual looking to enjoy long-distance touring as well as concours events. Titled as 1967. Robert Myrick Photography

• published: 06 May 2014
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