Iso Lele Very original, lovely condition 1974
General description :
That man Marcello Gandini could certainly design them! Just take the beautifully proportioned Iso Rivolta Lele. The Iso Rivolta Lele is better known as the Iso Lele. By the way did you know that the Iso Lele was named after Pierro Rivolta’s wife? The car and its name were a Christmas present for Rachelle (Lele for friends and family) Rivolta. This 1974 car is one of the last Iso Lele’s to be built. In contrast to early Lele’s this one is powered by a Ford V8 engine instead of the General Motors V8. The change of engine manufacturer was set in motion by GM. They demanded payment upfront and as they did not feel much for that option in Bresso the last engine order went to Ford who were a lot more amenable. This therefore is an Iso Lele IR6. The car is in a very nice condition. The bodywork looks fantastic with nice and thin panelwork. The shut lines are likewise equally spaced all over. The paintwork has been resprayed for cosmetic reasons, keeping to the original Blu Metallizzato. The quality of the paint job is good and has stood the test time well with only some minor blemishes present. It has a lovely light leather interior trim. This original leather upholstery has developed a great patina. The dashboard has wooden inlay and lovely Jaeger counters. The 5.7 litre Ford V8 is attached to a 4-speed automatic. The very refined suspension of the Iso Lele gives the car very pleasant roadholding characteristics. The Lele is more of a proper Grand Tourer than a sports car. The Lele was Iso’s answer toLamborghini’s Espada. The fact that the public thought the car was to angular and only had a V8 in contrast to Lamborghini’s V12 had a negative impact on sales right from the start. Over a 5 year period Iso Rivolta only managed to sell 285 Lele’s. It was to be the beginning of the end. The car that in 1969 was launched with such a romantic back story became due to poor sales partially responsible for the firm’s bankruptcy in 1974. Of course all of that makes the Iso Lele even more desirable today. This is a very nice and original 1974 Iso Rivolta Lele in stunning Blu Metallizzato. Gallery Aaldering is Europe’s leading Classic Cars specialist since 1975! Always 400 Classic and Sportscars in stock, please visit http://www.gallery-aaldering.com for the current stock list (all offered cars are available in our showroom) and further information. We are located near the German border, 95 km from Düsseldorf and 90 km from Amsterdam. So easy traveling by plane, train, taxi and car. Transport and worldwide shipping can be arranged. No duties/import costs within Europe. We buy, sell and provide consignment sales (selling on behalf of the owner). We can arrange/provide registration/papers for our German (H-Kennzeichen, TÜV, Fahrzeugbrief, Wertgutachten usw.) and Benelux customers. Gallery Aaldering, Arnhemsestraat 47, 6971 AP Brummen, The Netherlands. Tel: 0031-575-564055. Quality, experience and transparency is what sets us apart. We look forward to welcoming you in our showroom
1974 Iso Lele Very original, lovely condition is listed for sale on ClassicDigest in Brummen by The Gallery for €71500.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Iso Model : Lele Model Version : Very original, lovely condition Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1974 Sub type : Coupé Location : Brummen Vehicle Registration : Undefined
71500 €
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About Iso
The story of Iso, the stylish Italian GT with good old American grunt, is a tale of innovation and passion that left a lasting mark on the automotive world. It all began in the early 1950s when Renzo Rivolta, an Italian engineer and entrepreneur, decided to enter the car manufacturing business. His vision was to create a GT car that would combine Italian elegance and American power.In 1953, Iso Rivolta was founded, and the company's first foray into the automotive world was the Isetta, a small and quirky microcar. While the Isetta gained some popularity, it was the Iso Rivolta GT, introduced in 1962, that truly set the stage for the company's legacy. This luxurious and sporty GT car featured a body designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and was powered by a 327-cubic-inch Chevrolet V8 engine. It was a perfect fusion of Italian styling and American muscle.
The Iso Rivolta GT was followed by the Iso Grifo in 1965, another high-performance GT car that utilized American V8 power, this time sourced from Ford and Chevrolet. The Grifo, designed by Bertone, was not only powerful but also exquisitely styled, making it a rival to the likes of Ferrari. Many enthusiasts and critics believed that the Iso Grifo offered a more comfortable and practical alternative to the sometimes temperamental Italian supercars.
Iso continued to expand its lineup with models like the Iso Lele, which was a more refined, luxurious GT car, and the Iso Fidia, a four-door sedan, both powered by V8 engines. The Iso brand was known for its attention to detail and high-quality craftsmanship, which set it apart from some of its competitors.
One of the most iconic cars produced by Iso was the Iso Grifo 7 Litri. As the name suggests, it was equipped with a massive 7-liter V8 engine, delivering astonishing performance. With its sleek, aggressive design and brute force, the Grifo 7 Litri became a symbol of the company's ability to combine elegance and power in a single package.
However, despite the critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase, Iso struggled financially, and the 1973 oil crisis had a significant impact on the company's fortunes. In 1974, Iso ceased production, marking the end of an era. The company's legacy lives on in the hearts of enthusiasts who appreciate the unique blend of Italian style and American muscle that Iso cars embodied.
Today, classic Iso cars are highly sought after by collectors, and their unique combination of attributes continues to captivate automotive enthusiasts. The Iso brand may have disappeared, but its influence on the world of grand touring cars remains, as some people still prefer them to Ferraris for their distinctive character and charm.