One to Buy: 1 of 1 in Black 1972 Iso Grifo IR-9 Can-Am
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Having added a first generation Grifo with a 7-litre Chevrolet V8 to complement the original 5.3-litre version, Iso went one better during production of the sleek, long nosed Series 2 when it launched the IR-9 Can-Am which featured a monster 7.4-litre Chevy lump.
Capable of speeds in excess of 180mph, the Grifo Can-Am was a match for anything Ferrari, Maserati or Lamborghini had to offer. However, thanks to its relatively uncomplicated American V8, parts and servicing costs were substantially less than its rivals.
Unfortunately, the early 1970s was a tough time to be a premium car builder in Italy with temperamental trade unionised workers and poor economic conditions taking their toll. When an Oil Crisis hit over the winter of 1973-1974, sales of gas guzzlers dropped off a cliff. Twelve months later, Iso was forced to close its doors.
In total, just 24 copies of the second generation Grifo were completed with the spectacular 7.4-litre Chevrolet V8 that pumped out around 400bhp, the 19th of which is currently residing at the Gallery Aaldering showroom in Brummen, Holland.
Delivered in 1972 via Zentral Garage LC Roggero (the Iso agent for Zurich), number 19 was the only Grifo Can-Am completed in Black, its handsome exterior being combined with Brown leather upholstery.
Remarkably, aside from a single repaint long ago, the Iso remains in totally original condition. Resident in Europe since new, it has accumulated a little over 55,000km. Offered freshly serviced by a marque specialist, the matching numbers cars is accompanied by a substantial history file that includes some beautiful period photographs.
