Reviving a Legend: The Return of the Iso Rivolta GT Zagato

Retrofire Elegance - In a world increasingly shaped by electric drivetrains and stripped-down, minimalist design, there’s still something undeniably thrilling about the deep growl of a V8 engine wrapped in the sculpted elegance of Italian craftsmanship. Automotive history is filled with legendary names that defined its golden age—Ferrari, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo—but beyond the spotlight, there are stories just as compelling. 

The Iso Rivolta GT Zagato, a carbon-fiber-bodied grand tourer powered by a Corvette Z06 engine, marks the bold revival of the once-renowned Iso brand by Italian coachbuilder Zagato. (Picture from: Petrolicious)

One of them is Iso Rivolta, a brand that quietly faded into obscurity for decades before making a dramatic return with the revival of a stunning creation: the Iso Rivolta GT Zagato, which first captured public attention in early 2020.

The Iso Rivolta GT Zagato was offered in a limited run of just 19 units, all of which were swiftly claimed by passionate collectors.. (Picture from: Petrolicious)

Originally founded in 1939 by Renzo Rivolta, the company started not with dreams of racetracks and roaring engines, but rather with practical appliances—electric heaters and refrigerators. After World War II, the company pivoted toward mobility, first entering the scooter business before innovating with the microcar concept known today as the BMW Isetta. That small, quirky vehicle may have opened the door to the automotive world, but Rivolta’s ambitions extended far beyond city streets and fuel economy.

The Iso Rivolta GT Zagato is an elegant two-door coupe, featuring flowing lines inspired by the powerful Iso Grifo A3/C of the 1960s. (Picture from: Petrolicious)

By the early 1960s, the company rebranded as Iso Rivolta and set its sights firmly on the grand touring segment. Collaborating with legends like Giotto Bizzarrini and Bertone, Iso created vehicles that blended sleek Italian design with raw American muscle, sourcing reliable V8 engines from General Motors. Cars like the Iso Rivolta IR 300 and the race-ready A3/C became cult favorites, but the 1973 Oil Crisis brought the Iso dream to an end. Or so it seemed.

The interior is wrapped in hand-stitched Italian leather and festooned with numerous badging and exclusive embroidery. (Picture from: RobbReport)

Fast forward to today, and that legacy has not only been remembered—it’s been reborn. The Iso Rivolta GT Zagato, crafted in collaboration with the renowned coachbuilder Zagato, is a modern tribute that bridges decades of automotive passion. And while retro-inspired designs are nothing new, this is far from a nostalgic gimmick. The GT Zagato digs deep into the Iso archives, pulling DNA from the 1963 A3 model and infusing it with contemporary craftsmanship and performance.

Also retained from the C7 Corvette are the seat frames and dashboard. (Picture from: RobbReport)

The GT Zagato is based on the Chevrolet C7 Corvette Z06, staying true to Iso’s tradition of pairing Italian flair with American horsepower. It boasts a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 660 horsepower, enabling it to rocket from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 315 km/h. For the truly power-hungry, there’s an upgrade option that takes it to a ferocious 750 horsepower.

Powering the car is the C7 Corvette’s 6.2-liter supercharged LT4 V-8, making 660 hp. (Picture from: RobbReport)

Designed under the meticulous eye of Norihiko Harada, Zagato’s chief designer, the GT Zagato reflects an artistic interpretation of performance. Its carbon fiber body keeps the car lightweight while maintaining flowing, muscular lines that echo its classic predecessor. The omission of Zagato’s signature “double-bubble” roof is no accident—it’s a deliberate choice to honor the clean purity of 1960s automotive styling.

The Iso Rivolta GT Zagato features entirely bespoke design elements, with no body panels from the Corvette and custom-made windows, lights, wheels, and door handles. (Picture from: Petrolicious)

But what truly makes this car special is not just the stats or the aesthetics—it’s the emotional connection to history. That connection runs especially deep within the families that brought this revival to life. Marella Rivolta, granddaughter of Renzo Rivolta and now Art Director at Zagato, has played a central role in reviving her family’s brand. Married to Andrea Zagato, she represents a living fusion of two iconic Italian automotive bloodlines. 

The Iso Rivolta GT Zagato features hand-laid carbon fiber bodywork, achieving a curb weight that is several hundred pounds lighter than the Corvette Z06. (Picture from: Petrolicious)

What began as a virtual concept car in the Gran Turismo video game has transformed into a limited-production reality—only 19 units will be made, catering to connoisseurs who appreciate heritage as much as horsepower. | Ns_7H0s_Rcw |

It’s rare for a car to feel like a love letter, but the Iso Rivolta GT Zagato is just that—a tribute to an era, a family, a philosophy. It’s not just a revival of a brand; it’s the resurrection of a spirit that once defined grand touring excellence. For those lucky enough to experience it, the GT Zagato isn’t just a car—it’s a moving piece of history, roaring back to life on the open road. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ZAGATO | PETROLICIOUS | ROBBREPORT | SILODROME | TECHZLE ]

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