shot and posted by JC
The Iso Grifo is a stunner, and why not? It was penned by the illustrious Giorgetto Giugiaro while he was at Bertone. As such, it’s a superb example of his early work, which established his towering reputation. The Grifo was classic Italian 2+2 GT, with the exception of its Chevrolet engine, the 327 CID small block in either 300 or 350 hp form, as used in the Corvette. In the light alloy-bodied Grifo, it resulted in very fine performance in its day, including a top speed of some 150 mph with the 350 hp engine.
But the lure of Chevy’s new big block 427 engine was irresistible, and Iso found a way to shoehorn it into the engine bay. But just like in the Corvette, the hood wouldn’t close, so something had to be done to accommodate the triple carbs and air cleaner. The result is all too obvious.
Here’s a closer look:
The appurtenance that was grafted on cab hardly be called a hood scoop. The term “penthouse” quickly was appropriated as the preferred nomenclature, presumably due to the positive image that it conveyed. Sorry, but it didn’t work for me in 1968, and it still doesn’t. A proper hood scoop would seem to have been a better solution. But here it is, one of more curious historical oddities done in the name of displacement worship.
But then Grifo 7 Litri owners didn’t worry too much about their penthouses, as it was all too easy to show disapproving bystanders its backside, which was of course as svelte as the 327 version. How easy? The 7 Litri had a theoretical top speed of 300 kmh (183 mph). That was pretty exceptional in its day, and even the hottest Ferraris had difficulty matching that. There’s no replacement for displacement, even if it does require a penthouse.
We have a vintage C&D review of a 327 Iso Grifo here
Ugh! I never knew this was done with the big block Grifo’s. It is otherwise such a beautiful automobile. I have (or had) a Matchbox model back in the day. It was dark metallic blue. The detailing was exceptional for its scale.
I understand Sonny Bono drove one of these. He may have had an unfortunate hair cut but he sure picked well for his personal transportation.
Ah! That Matchbox model. I think it was a toss up between the Grifo and Muira when my 11 year old self’s Premium Bonds came through. Still waiting.
Gak! Looks like the usual junkyard scene, with stacks of leftover metal pieces randomly laying on hoods and trunks.
They could have done a way better job. Imagine a 3-carb shaker hood.
I don’t recall ever seeing this version. Back in the day I was somewhat of an Iso fan, though i preferred the earlier 300. My attraction may have partially been my ten year old sense of humor snickering over the name Iso Rivolta. Pretty sure I had the Matchbox Grifo as well. Anyway, I think the penthouse is functional and distinctive; I have no problem with it. In fact, if there’s anything about the Grifo that’s “off” for me it’s the reverse slant B pillar. I often like them but it doesn’t seem to go with the rest of the design.
I wonder how many 327 Grifos sprouted penthouses when the 7 litri hit the scene?
The penthouse reminds me of rooftop HVAC screening.
I believe the early FWD Eldorados had the air cleaner mashed down around the carb because the UPP raised the engine a bit. Did any V8 at the time not have the air filter on top of the engine?
Ralph,
The original Studebaker Avanti R2 engine had a paper type air filter off to one side. Here’s a photo showing the chrome filter housing in the foreground.
No, the orange part is Paxton supercharger, fitted to Avanti R2.
The Avanti R1 without the supercharger has round air filter housing atop the engine as shown in the photo below.
He didn’t say that the orange part is the air filter. He said Here’s a photo showing the chrome filter housing in the foreground.
Paul, Thank you.
To paraphrase Lisa Douglas “I dont adore this penthouse view!” 😉
She’d also say “Darling, I love you but give me (a Buick) Park Avenue.”
How could they do that to such a beautiful car? Couldn’t find a mail box to use as a scope?
Rear window and B pillar sure looks like the first gen Barracuda.
The Grifo preceded the Barracuda by over a year.
My favorite Matchbox car as a kid!
It’s difficult to believe this solution was cheaper or easier than a second hood stamping die with a big bulge (which might have been nearly as ugly), but I know nothing about manufacturing costs.
When did the Corvette go to a separate oil reservoir? Were any road cars using them in the late 60’s?
Yeah, that unfortunate thing looks like a parking garage.
Or you could get the cake decorating supplies out and disguise it.
Just gorgeous – my favorite of these US/Italian hybrid cars! If mine were the 427 (and I have many happy and fast miles experience with BBCs), I’d have a new, more discreet hood made for it…or “settle” for the small block original. In any case, I’d not want the later front end with 1/2 covered lamps…
Just gorgeous – my favorite of these US/Italian hybrid cars! If mine were the 427 (and I have many happy and fast miles experience with BBCs), I’d have a new, more discreet hood made for it…or “settle” for the small block original. In any case, I’d not want the later front end with 1/2 covered lamps…
I’d said before that the early C3 is one of my favorites so as elegant as the Grifo’s bespoke Italian tailoring is I’d go for the Sears Best version.
And that’s for the smallblock. The big-motor hoods just make the choice easier.
Love it but prefer the 350 version without the penthouse beautifull car