Iso Grifo Series 1 GL350 - 1 of 26 UK RHD and delivered new to Mike Hailwood

This Iso Grifo Series 1 GL350 is just one of 26 right hand drive cars produced. Rarity and with exceptional provenance, this Iso has lived an exciting life, both alongside its famous owners, as well as featuring in film.

The story begins with the importer for Iso asking Autocar if they would like to collect its demonstrator Iso Grifo from the factory gate in Bresso, run the car in (for the 1st hour or two as per factory guidelines), visit the Italian Grand Prix and then head back to the England.

The autocar article, written by the then time editor, John Bolster, commented that he could not imagine a more delightful journey, with the car reaching 150mph with ease and with good stability.

1st registered owner was none other than Mike Hailwood, a nine-time World Motorcycle Champion, winning 75 Grand Prix’s as well 14 victories at the Isle of Man TT, also competing in Formula One, for John Surtees.

Respected as one of the ‘greatest racers’ of all time, Mike had a long and exciting time with 17241EE, in South Africa, which included a serious altercation with a cow, (the car was only repaired due to the capability of Mike’s race team, and that they were able to remake and buy the body panels) before it came to England in 1972 and by 1973 adopted its present UK registration plate of PLD338L.

It seems that the Iso Grifo attracts Champion’s with the car becoming a part of Anthony Hamilton’s (father of Lewis Hamilton) car collection.

The car featured in the “Beatles” 1967 Film, the Magical Mystery Tour.

In 2007, this Grifo GL350 was subject to a complete and exacting restoration in Germany, by a collaborative team of specialists.

The bodywork was undertaken by Autokultur van Koeverden in Goch.

Within the provenance, there are photos of the restoration, which compliments the significant documentation, including the original factory build sheet MOT’s, service history, and letters between the custodians of this Iso Grifo.

Under the custodianship of the present owner, a passionate and knowledgeable collector, the car has had continuous maintenance and improvement, including a comprehensive rebuild of its differential, injection of cavity wax, and new Michelin XWX225/70VR15 tyres in 2022.

Original UK RHD with matching numbers

External:

- Giallo Limone

- Borrani Centre lock spoked lightweight alloy wheels

- Additional Borrani Centre lightweight alloy wheels

- Limited Slip Differential

- De Dion Axle with Watts Linkage

- Servo assisted disc-brakes all round

- Bertone Badging

Internal:

- Nero Leather Seats

- Nero Leather Dashboard, doors and centre console

- Air Conditioning

- Heated rear window

- Electrically operated windows

- Comprehensive instrument binnacle