Discussion
The Surveyor said:
Yes, I know they needed to lift the bonnet line for the bigger engine, I just always thought it was a little clumsy design wise. The rest of the car is so cohearant but that element just looks a little home-made. Still wouldn't kick one out of the garage though 
The Italians are funny like that. They start with a stunning design that has obviously been slaved over, but as soon as they need to modify it to (eg) incorporate a larger engine they go all Birmingham, slam the bonnet down over the hump creating a random ugly bulge, then sit back and think "that'll-a do-a".V8 FOU said:
Godin Banks have a really nice Lele auto.
Justin, if you are reading this, I really hate you! Just the car for me now the Lotus has gone.....
Off to do some Man Maths....
Happy to provide a nice little dilemma on a Wednesday night Paul!Justin, if you are reading this, I really hate you! Just the car for me now the Lotus has gone.....
Off to do some Man Maths....
Been out in the Lele today, lovely thing, Power Steering, Aircon, Auto Gearbox, could be a daily driver really.
Justin
jith said:
dinkel said:
Roger Wills Iso Competizione - 327 on Webers give a mighty roar.
I hate people sitting on my cars, but for those four I'd make an exception!
J
The WDK team - servicing Rogers garage - ran towards the scene and in an instant about 25 peeps were snapping at us. Quite a moment. The team took a sprint back to the pit box: imagine Rogers Williams to come in with a niggle or two!
Some random notes from a book by Fred Hobbs - 'A Life with HWM' - who was works manager then works director of HWM which imported Iso (his spelling) cars in the day. He drove the cars to and from Italy on several occasions.
Of the Iso Rivolta, he says 'The more I drove it, the more I disliked it.'
The first Grifo that he saw was being built independently in the Iso factory by Bizzarini for Le Mans, although the first Iso that raced at Le Mans was in 1964 and was said to be a Rivolta.
The first Grifo for the UK market was made by Bizzarini, still independent of the Iso organisation, but using their works and marketing facilities. The seat was so low Hobbs - admittedly not very tall - could neither see out nor use the pedals properly. Having bought some inflatable cushions and webbing, he saw 80mph in first, 106 in second, 132 in third and 165 in top of the way back to the UK.
When the car was loaned to Autocar for a test, both rear shockers broke away from their mountings and needed modification. The fuel tank was 37 gallons, which made a difference to the handling. This Grifo's rear screen was later modified for visibility reasons, and one car was sold in the UK.
HWM gave up the concession and it was taken up by Trojan Cars in Croydon. 'By this time, Count Rivolta and Bizzarini had settled their differences and produced the Iso Grifo. This was a beautiful car, the same basic shape and mechanics but with comfortable seats, full trim and carpets, electric windows etc.... The Autocar tested one in 1966 and recorded a best top speed of 163mph. They described it as a dream car come true which about sums it up.'
Of the Iso Rivolta, he says 'The more I drove it, the more I disliked it.'
The first Grifo that he saw was being built independently in the Iso factory by Bizzarini for Le Mans, although the first Iso that raced at Le Mans was in 1964 and was said to be a Rivolta.
The first Grifo for the UK market was made by Bizzarini, still independent of the Iso organisation, but using their works and marketing facilities. The seat was so low Hobbs - admittedly not very tall - could neither see out nor use the pedals properly. Having bought some inflatable cushions and webbing, he saw 80mph in first, 106 in second, 132 in third and 165 in top of the way back to the UK.
When the car was loaned to Autocar for a test, both rear shockers broke away from their mountings and needed modification. The fuel tank was 37 gallons, which made a difference to the handling. This Grifo's rear screen was later modified for visibility reasons, and one car was sold in the UK.
HWM gave up the concession and it was taken up by Trojan Cars in Croydon. 'By this time, Count Rivolta and Bizzarini had settled their differences and produced the Iso Grifo. This was a beautiful car, the same basic shape and mechanics but with comfortable seats, full trim and carpets, electric windows etc.... The Autocar tested one in 1966 and recorded a best top speed of 163mph. They described it as a dream car come true which about sums it up.'
Gassing Station | Classic Cars and Yesterday's Heroes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff