Iso Rivolta

by Raymond D. Milo

Renzo Rivolta made a considerable fortune following World War II. He also loved cars. In the early ’60s, he became a victim of the popular musing that begins with, “Let’s marry a sophisticated European chassis and coachwork with a cheap, reliable, and powerful American V8.” Giotto Bizzarini, father of the 250 SWB and the immortal 250 GTO, left Ferrari at the end of 1961 following a major clash of egos. Giotto met Renzo, and the Iso Rivolta was born. On Campari napkins, Bizzarini sketched the new car, which featured a Corvette drivetrain and beautiful Italian body. Bertone was the chosen coachbuilder, and his newly hired designer, Giorgetto Giugiaro, was given the task of drafting the 150-mph family express. The first Iso Rivolta prototype was shown at the 1962 Turin Auto show. It featured a pressed-steel monocoque chassis, reinforced with numerous cross braces. The 327 Chevy engine was connected to a Borg-Warner T-10 four-speed transmission and it was...