1969 Iso Rivolta

ISO Rivolta (Coupe), 1962-70

The ISO Rivolta was in production from 1962-70. Styled by Giugiaro, it is a front-engine, rear wheel drive coupe seating four people.

ISO had been known for small and economical cars - primarily the Isetta which would be licenced out to BMW. But in the early 1960s, chairman Renzo Rivolta and business partner Giotto Bizzarrini developed a large grand tourer to capitalise on the market for such cars. Facel Vega in France had had success with a formula incorporating an American V8, and this was the path ISO took too. The chassis was pressed and welded steel, while under the bonnet lurked a 327ci Chevrolet V8 with - initially - a four speed manual gearbox. Later models came with five speed manuals and optional automatics. From 1964 the standard IR300 would be joined by a more powerful IR340 model.

With unequal length wishbones at the front and a de Dion rear end, the Rivolta was up to the minute under the skin - and the four wheel discs meant it stopped as well as it went. Production was initially relatively brisk following its launch at the 1962 Turin Motor Show, but slackened owing to its high price. By the end of production in 1970, just 797 had been made - 167 of which were the more powerful IR340 model. It was replaced by the Lele, a model which sat between the four door Fidia and the sporting Grifo in ISO's new range.

The ISO Lele is a good alternative for Rivolta customers, assuming that the Lamborghini Jarama style body didn't offend. Likewise if you needed four doors, the ISO Fidia might be a valid option, as might the first iteration of Maserati's four door Quattroporte. For those seeking a more traditional look, the Facel Vega Facel II conforms to the same broad continental recipe, as does Britain's Gordon-Keeble GK1. If your pockets aren't quite so deep, perhaps try the Jensen Interceptor, or if even that is a stretch the Triumph Stag offers V8 burbles and style for four.