Iso Grifo 90: The Forgotten Italian GT Dream

Missed Glory - Before the 2nd World War, Renzo Rivolta had already established a successful refrigerator manufacturing company named Isothermos. In the 1940s, the business shifted into the production of scooters under the Iso brand. This venture later expanded into the development of the small-engined bubble car, the Isetta, produced between 1953 and 1955. Although Iso ceased production afterward, the Isetta continued under license in other countries until 1964.

The Iso Grifo 90 was appeared with a sleek body lines and intended to mark the Iso's brand reviving in the 1991. (Picture from: OldCarConcept)

After a delay in developing its next automobile, the company eventually entered the four-wheeled vehicle market with a completely different approach. The result was the Iso Rivolta, a rear-wheel-drive saloon with two doors and four seats, powered by a Chevrolet-sourced 5,359 cc V8 OHV engine. Designed by Giotto Bizzarrini and styled by Carrozzeria Bertone, the model set the tone for Iso’s future identity.

The Iso Grifo 90 is designed by Marcello Gandini with the chassis and powertrain developed by Gian Paolo Dellara. (Picture from: OldCarConcept)

Soon after, Iso’s Milan-based factory introduced the Grifo, followed by the Fidia in 1967. The final production model from the brand was the Lele. In 1966, company founder Renzo Rivolta passed away, and control of the business was taken over by his son, Piero Rivolta.😭

The Iso Grifo 90 has certain changes to the interior so that the potential customers would feel like they were sitting in a very special car. (Picture from: OldCarConcept)

Entering the 1970s, Iso made a critical misstep by deciding to compete in the Formula One with Frank Williams. Unfortunately, this decision came at a time when the company was already financially strained, compounded by the global oil crisis. These combined challenges ultimately led to the collapse of the Iso brand in 1975.

The Iso Grifo 90 prototype is based on the Corvette C5 Z06 with the aluminium body was fitted to a tubular steel chassis frame, so it weighs only 1,200 kg. (Picture from: OldCarConcept)

In the late 1980s, Piero Rivolta, together with Piero Sala, attempted to revive the marque with a new GT model. They commissioned Gian Paolo Dallara to develop its chassis and powertrain, while Marcello Gandini was tasked with the design. The result was the Iso Grifo 90, which incorporated the styling cues of the 1990s. The prototype was unveiled to the press in 1991, with plans for limited production beginning in 1994.

The Iso Grifo 90 prototype is powered by a front mounted turbocharged 5.7-litre Chevrolet V8 engine (tuned by Callaway). (Picture from: OldCarConcept)

However, the prototype presented was incomplete—it lacked an engine, a functional interior, and even usable wheels. Due to insufficient funding, the project was suspended. The model remained dormant until 2007, when Federico Bonomelli, owner of the “Mako-Shark” composite materials company and an Iso Rivolta collector, rediscovered the original mock-up. Together with his brother, Bonomelli redesigned the car and obtained approval from Piero Rivolta to build a series of 12 units of the Iso Grifo 90. 

Federico Bonomelli posed along with one of the classic and rare cars of his owned, the Iso Grifo 7Litri. (Picture from: AutoClassMagazine)

The new prototype was based on the Corvette C5 Z06. It featured an aluminum body mounted on a tubular steel chassis, resulting in a weight of only 1,200 kg. Power came from a front-mounted, turbocharged 5.7-liter Chevrolet V8 engine tuned by Callaway, producing 490 hp. This was paired with a six-speed gearbox, Brembo brakes, and a locking differential. The car was expected to exceed 300 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. 

The rolling prototype of the Iso Grifo 90 was completed in 2010. However, the global economic crisis at the time diminished enthusiasm for the project. As a result, Bonomelli decided not to proceed with the full 12-car production run. Thus, Iso’s modern GT effort once again fell victim to unfortunate timing.😐 *** [EKA [21092021] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARTYPE | OLDCONCEPTCARS | AUTOCLASSMAGAZINE | CURVES-MAGAZIN | CALLAWAY | DYLER ]

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The only one Italian-made Corvette

ONE-OFF - As already known that the name of the Chevrolet Corvette always known as an American muscular car, with a body design that is not less muscular and always be dreamed in its homeland. However, the charm of the V8 engine's Chevrolet Corvette mainstay just seems not enough to attract consumers in Europe, where the typical European car has a more beautiful design.

1963 Pininfarina Rondine Coupe made taken base of Chevrolet Corvette C2. (Picture from: Otosia)

Then in 1963, one Chevrolet Corvette C2 had to undergo a makeover to be more pleasing to the eyes of Europeans. The result, Chevrolet in cooperation with Pininfarina, a famous Italian automotive coachbuilder that used to design a Ferrari, which later gave birth to the figure of Pininfarina Rondine Coupe.

Rear side view of 1963 Pininfarina Rondine Coupe. (Picture from: Otosia)

Unlike the Corvette C2 which has a body made of fiberglass, Pininfarina Rondinne has a metal made exterior, which makes its weight so increase, and control is also changed completely. The car's front overhangs are more longer, and the Corvette's typical pop-up lights are eliminated, and on the back there is nothing resembling to the original car, and it is more like a Fiat 124.

Inside, the car has a stock dashboard and seats, but attention to detail around the doors is exceptional. The door jams themselves are chromed and decorated panels are fitted. The greenhouse is quite bright due to the white leather upholstery and a large wraparound rear windscreen.

Because seeing the car's view which then triggered a fairly diverse responses, and finally made Chevrolet was reluctant to continue Pininfarina Rondine to the production line and now the only one ever made was sitting peacefully at the Corvette museum. *** [EKA [20092017] [26092021] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARS.NET]

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Is this a Sign of the Resurgence of Russian-Made Supercars?

New RED STAR - Amidst the current global challenges, particularly those stemming from political and economic realms, a glimmer of excitement emerges as we navigate the digital landscape. Russian automotive enthusiasts are abuzz with news circulating on the country's automotive sites, featuring captivating images of what appears to be a Russian groundbreaking addition to the world of supercars.

The pre-production supercar prototype of Russian' new brand Rossa showcased a sophisticated matte black coupe enhanced with a strikingly bold body kit and built based on 2015 Marussia chassis. (Picture from: Carakoom)

It's worth noting that the realm of supercars has seen only a sparse representation hailing from Russia thus far. The Marussia brand briefly graced the scene, producing notable models like the B1, B2, F2 SUV, and even making a remarkable appearance in Formula 1 racing competitions before fading away in 2014. Interestingly, the current news echoes faint reminiscences of this bygone Russian brand.

The pre-production supercar prototype of Russian' new brand Rossa designed by Marussia Motors' chief designer, Igor Yermilin, commissioned by none other than Roman Rusinov himself. (Picture from: AutoNavigator.ru)

In late July 2023, a report from Carakoom highlighted that Roman Rusinov, who played a pivotal role in the inception of Marussia Motors in 2007, showcased captivating images. These images depicted a sophisticated matte black coupe enhanced with a strikingly bold body kit and distinctive, unconventional doors. 

The pre-production supercar prototype of Russian' new brand Rossa interior exudes a palpable aura of futurism, a trait that harmoniously echoes the car's external appearance. (Picture from: AutoNavigator.ru)

This unveiling provides a sneak peek into the realm of pre-production prototypes, brought forth by the emerging Russian marque, Rossa. Reportedly, the model has been crafted under the skillful guidance of Marussia Motors' chief designer, Igor Yermilin, commissioned by none other than Roman Rusinov himself.

The pre-production supercar prototype of Russian' new brand Rossa cabin showcases a single screen arrangement, coupled with the race car-inspired steering wheel with the power unit activation button. (Picture from: AutoNavigator.ru)

The prototype astonishingly stays true to the patent images that had surfaced several weeks prior. Notably, during July, renowned Russian racing driver Roman Rusinov officially registered the Rossa brand, designating its purpose for crafting both passenger vehicles and their accompanying components.

Intriguingly, the center console deviates from the norm, showcasing a distinctive design philosophy. (Picture from: AutoNavigator.ru)

Deeper insight, gleaned from public vehicle registration records, suggests that the supercar draws inspiration from a 2015 Marussia chassis. Sporting a robust 3,456 cubic centimeter engine generating an impressive 277 horsepower, it's plausible that the Rossa supercar is likely to be propelled by a Toyota 2GR-FE V6 engine, as hinted by data from the open database.

The pre-production supercar prototype of Russian' new brand Rossa showcased a sophisticated matte black coupe enhanced with a strikingly bold body kit and distinctive, unconventional doors. (Picture from: AutoNavigator.ru)

A discerning gaze at the pre-production model of Roman Rusinov's brainchild reveals a semblance to the Marussia B1, yet with an air of distinctiveness in its body and optics. Notably, the rear of the car boasts a captivating design featuring an aggressive spoiler, reminiscent of early 2000s formula racing cars, evoking a sense of nostalgia akin to the GMA T.50s Niki Lauda. The aesthetic embodiment is resoundingly modern and futuristic, seamlessly integrating aerodynamic contours that bestow exceptional road maneuverability.

The pre-production supercar prototype of Russian' new brand Rossa is likely powered by a robust 3,456 cubic centimeter Toyota 2GR-FE V6 engine generating an impressive 277 horsepower. (Picture from: Carakoom)

Drawing insights from AutoNavigator, another prominent Russian platform, we delve into the inner sanctum of Rossa's inaugural supercar. The interior exudes a palpable aura of futurism, a trait that harmoniously echoes the car's external appearance. A notable highlight is the ergonomically designed seating, meticulously crafted to anatomically embrace its occupants. Intriguingly, the center console deviates from the norm, showcasing a distinctive design philosophy.

The pre-production supercar prototype of Russian' new brand Rossa also featured with striking design of an aggressive spoiler at rear, reminiscent of early 2000s formula racing cars. (Picture from: AutoNavigator.ru)

A prominent presence in the driver's domain is the race car-inspired steering wheel, seamlessly housing the power unit activation button. The cabin showcases a single screen arrangement, intriguingly akin to Marussia's design language, albeit with distinctive nuances that evoke curiosity around its operational mechanics. Imbued with luxury, carbon fiber elements and genuine leather accents cocoon the cabin in an opulent embrace. The ensuing video serves as a poignant homage to the Marussia supercar's legacy. | MHvrwsOTqJE |

Despite the veil of secrecy shrouding the model's nomenclature, one certainty prevails—the vehicle emerges under the prestigious Rossa banner. Regrettably, details regarding the prospects of mass production and the eagerly awaited launch timeline remain enigmatic. Thus, enthusiasts and admirers alike are left in suspense, fervently anticipating the forthcoming chapters of this thrilling automotive narrative. *** [EKA [16032023] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARAKOOM | AUTONAVIGATOR.RU | AUTOPRONEWS.RU | WIKIPEDIA ]

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The LeMans Coupe: The Forgotten Sports Car Created by Strother MacMinn and John Bond

Legendary ONES - It's a commonplace to comment on something unique and uncommon. As it happened when we've found the figure of a classic sports car which in our opinion has a unique shape, we've never seen before. And we could be sure, that's you had never seen it as well. Immediately, we became curious to dig more infos about the car, eventually we've managed to find it from several sites on the internet...

No other “Special” of the 1950s captured the imagination of the public as the design, build and debut of Strother MacMinn and John Bond’s LeMans Coupe. (Picture from: UndiscoveredClassics)

Aquilla Gullwing: When a Volkswagen Beetle Feels Like a Butterfly

Humble Metamorphosis - Dreaming about exotic cars is almost a rite of passage for automotive enthusiasts. The sleek silhouettes, dramatic doors, and supercar aura often feel permanently out of reach, trapped behind intimidating price tags. Yet history occasionally offers clever detours—moments when creativity, not capital, reshapes what is possible. One of the most fascinating examples of this idea in motion is the Aquilla Gullwing, a car that famously makes the bug feel like a butterfly.😁

The Volkswagen Beetle of 1963 wore the FiberFab's Aquila Gullwing kit car, an exotic-sleek car with gullwing-style doors. (Picture from: ClassicCars)

At its core, the Aquilla Gullwing begins life as something entirely ordinary: a 1963 Volkswagen Beetle. Known affectionately as “The Bug,” the Beetle was never designed to turn heads in the supercar sense. But when this humble platform fell into the hands of FiberFab, an automotive company based in Cupertino, California, its destiny changed dramatically. The transformation stripped away every visual trace of the Beetle, replacing it with an exotic form that looked closer to a European concept car than a people’s car.

The Volkswagen Beetle of 1963 wore the FiberFab's Aquilla Gullwing kit car shown here is the 137th production car, which still uses the original paint color combination of ivory and beige. (Picture from: ClassicCars)

FiberFab itself was a product of bold thinking. Founded by Robert Mueller in 1964, the company became known for producing kit cars that allowed enthusiasts to build something extraordinary without astronomical costs. During the 1980s, FiberFab initially envisioned the Aquilla Gullwing as a kit mounted on the exotic and exclusive BMW M1 chassis—an idea as ambitious as it was impractical for most buyers. Reality soon redirected that vision toward the far more accessible Volkswagen Beetle chassis, opening the door for budget-conscious dreamers.

The Volkswagen Beetle of 1963 wore the FiberFab's Aquila Gullwing kit car with its gullwing-style doors openned. (Picture from: ClassicCars)

The result was visually striking. The Aquilla Gullwing featured dramatic gullwing doors, a low and flowing body, and proportions that conveyed speed even while standing still. From the outside, it delivered the full illusion of a supercar fantasy, especially impressive considering its modest mechanical origins. Inside, the design remained simple yet cohesive, often finished in tasteful color combinations like ivory and beige, paired with a brown interior that reinforced its retro-futuristic charm.

The Volkswagen Beetle of 1963 wore the FiberFab's Aquila Gullwing kit car has brown colored interior. (Picture from: Hemmings)

Despite its bold appearance, the Aquilla Gullwing never pretended to be a performance monster. Beneath the sculpted body sat Volkswagen’s familiar flat-four engine, displacing just 1,200 cc and producing around 40 horsepower. Any expectations of blistering acceleration vanished the moment the engine started. In motion, the car behaved exactly like its Beetle donor—calm, unhurried, and mechanically honest—reminding drivers that this butterfly still carried the heart of a bug.🦋

The Volkswagen Beetle of 1963 wore the FiberFab's Aquila Gullwing kit car is powered by a flat-four 1,200 cc engine which is only capable bursting the power of 40 hp only. (Picture from: Hemmings)

What truly elevates the Aquilla Gullwing today is its rarity. According to records cited by HeritagePartsCenter, FiberFab produced only around 150 Aquilla-bodied cars. The example often referenced, finished in its original ivory-and-beige paint scheme, represents the 137th unit built. Limited numbers, combined with the niche nature of kit cars, have made surviving examples increasingly hard to find.

The Volkswagen Beetle of 1963 wore the FiberFab's Aquila Gullwing kit car is one of only 150 cars ever built in the 1980s. (Picture from: ClassicCars)

That scarcity has reshaped how the Aquilla Gullwing is viewed in modern times. Once considered an affordable alternative to unattainable exotics, it has slowly transitioned into a collectible curiosity. Proof of this shift appeared in 2014, when one example crossed the block at a Mecum Auction for $13,900, as reported by ClassicCars. What was once a budget-friendly dream has quietly matured into a valued piece of automotive history.😭

The Volkswagen Beetle of 1963 wore the FiberFab's Aquila Gullwing kit car remains a bug rather than a butterfly in terms of performance. (Picture from: ClassicCars)

The Aquilla Gullwing stands as a reminder that passion often thrives in unexpected forms. It captures a period when imagination could outpace engineering budgets, when enthusiasts were willing to trade raw speed for visual drama and individuality. Today, its story feels more relevant than ever—proof that creativity can still turn the ordinary into something unforgettable, even decades later. *** [EKA [27092021] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FIBERFAB | HEMMINGS | HERITAGEPARTSCENTER | CLASSICCARS | MECUM | CLASSIC AND RECREATION SPORTSCARS IN FACEBOOK ]

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DAF 55 Siluro: The Unique Torpedo-Inspired Car of the 1960s

Retro Ingenuity - You are certainly familiar with an Italian designer named Giovanni Michelotti, who works more as an independent designer and has designed many famous vehicles from various world-renowned automaker brands. Among the many shapes that rolled from his creative mind, there was one that stood out not just for its elegance, but also for its rarity and mystery: the DAF 55 Siluro.

1968 DAF 55 Siluro designed by Giovanni Michelotti made its first debut at the 1968 Geneva Motorshow. (Picture from: Supercar.net)

In the late 1960s, when futuristic automotive designs were gaining attention and designers dared to think outside the box, Michelotti partnered with the Dutch carmaker DAF to create something rather unconventional. The result was the DAF 55 Siluro—a concept car with a silhouette so fluid and aerodynamic that it earned the Italian name "Siluro," meaning "torpedo." The name was no exaggeration. The car’s profile displayed a sleek, sloping line that gracefully stretched from the front to the rear, giving it an almost motion-blurred appearance even when parked.e design with long sloping silhouette lines that runs on both sides of the exterior and hood.

1968 DAF 55 Siluro has a unique design with long sloping silhouette lines that runs on both sides of the exterior and hood. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)

Unveiled for the first time at the 1968 Geneva Motor Show, the Siluro caught attention for more than just its smooth curves. Built on the DAF 55 Coupe platform, it featured a compact form yet maintained a full four-passenger seating arrangement. Under the hood sat a modest but reliable 1,108 cc inline four-cylinder engine, capable of producing 50 brake horsepower at 5,000 rpm. While this figure might not impress speed enthusiasts, what made the Siluro truly remarkable was its Variomatic Transmission—a hallmark innovation from DAF.

1968 DAF 55 Siluro—a concept car with a silhouette so fluid and aerodynamic that it earned the Italian name "Siluro," meaning "torpedo.". (Picture from: CarsThatNeverMadeItEtc in Tumblr)

This transmission system was ahead of its time. It allowed the car to move forward and backward at the same speed, an unusual yet fascinating capability that added to the vehicle’s already quirky charm. Designed originally for practicality and ease of use, the Variomatic system gave the Siluro a smooth, gearless driving experience that was surprisingly modern for its era.

The steering wheel and dashboard view of 1968 DAF 55 Siluro. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)

Michelotti's role in shaping the Siluro went beyond simply drafting lines and curves. He had previously collaborated with DAF on models such as the DAF 44 and DAF 55, but the Siluro was a more personal project—part experimental, part artistic expression. It was a showcase of how a functional Dutch car could wear a stylish Italian suit, all without losing its soul.

1968 DAF 55 Siluro is used 1,108 cc inline four-cylinder engine coupled with DAF's unique Variomatic Transmission system. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)

Following its Geneva debut, the Siluro quietly disappeared from the public eye. For nearly four decades, the car remained unseen, nearly forgotten—until it resurfaced in 2005 at the AutoRAI exhibition in Amsterdam. By then, Giovanni Michelotti had passed away unexpectedly in 1980, and the Siluro had become something of a lost gem in the world of automotive design.

Rearview of 1968 DAF 55 Siluro. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)

When the car was rediscovered, it wasn’t in the best condition. Many of its parts had been specially handcrafted by Michelotti himself, making restoration no easy task. Still, through the support of passionate enthusiasts and generous sponsors, the DAF 55 Siluro was lovingly brought back to life—restored to its original elegance and mechanical soundness.

Today, this unique piece of automotive history has found a permanent home at the DAF Museum in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. Resting quietly on display, the Siluro stands not only as a tribute to Michelotti's creative legacy, but also as a reminder of a time when bold ideas and international collaboration could turn a simple Dutch coupe into a rolling work of art.. *** [EKA [09032020]| FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARS.NET | UNIQUE CARS AND PARTS | ULTIMATECARPAGE ]

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