1966 Iso Rivolta IR300
1966 Iso Rivolta IR300
Engine
5,350 cc V8
Gearbox
5-speed manual
Drivetrain
Rear wheel drive
Brakes
Hydraulic Servo-foot brake
Performance
335 hp
Colour
Highlights
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Blends Italian design, American muscle, and European engineering into a refined grand tourer.
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Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Bertone, its sleek and understated styling exudes timeless elegance.
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Powered by a 5.4L Chevrolet 327 V8, the IR300 delivers 300 horsepower with effortless torque and reliability.
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With four-wheel disc brakes and a well-balanced frame, it offers a surprisingly modern driving experience.
About the Car
The 1966 Iso Rivolta IR300 is one of the most fascinating grand tourers in my collection, representing a rare fusion of Italian design, American power, and European handling. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro during his time at Bertone, the Rivolta boasts a sleek, understated elegance that exudes class without the over-the-top flashiness of some of its contemporaries. But what truly sets this car apart is the engineering vision of Renzo Rivolta and Giotto Bizzarrini, who sought to create a GT that could compete with the best of Ferrari and Aston Martin while offering the reliability of an American V8. Under the hood sits a 5.4-liter Chevrolet small-block V8, producing around 300 horsepower, giving the IR300 a smooth yet formidable performance profile. The combination of Italian styling and American muscle makes it an incredibly compelling addition to my collection. Driving the IR300 is an experience that blends comfort and raw power in a way few cars of its era can achieve. The chassis, developed by Bizzarrini, is beautifully balanced, offering a level of handling that belies its grand touring intentions. Unlike many other GTs of the 1960s, which often favored high-revving European engines, the Iso Rivolta provides a more relaxed yet thrilling drive, thanks to the torque-rich nature of its Chevrolet 327 V8. The De Dion rear suspension and four-wheel disc brakes were ahead of their time, giving the IR300 a composed ride whether cruising at highway speeds or tackling winding roads. This unique combination makes it a standout in the collection—not just a showpiece but a car that begs to be driven. From a collector’s perspective, the Iso Rivolta IR300 is a hidden gem that often flies under the radar compared to Ferraris and Maseratis of the same era. Yet, it offers a superior balance of style, performance, and reliability, making it an increasingly desirable classic. With limited production numbers and a fascinating backstory involving Rivolta's transition from refrigerators and scooters to high-performance GT cars, the IR300 carries a historical weight that makes it even more special. As prices for these cars continue to rise, it remains one of the smartest investments in my collection—not just in terms of value, but in pure driving enjoyment. Few cars can claim to deliver such a perfect blend of European sophistication and American muscle, making the 1966 Iso Rivolta IR300 a true standout in automotive history.
1998 Fiat Panda
About the Car
