The Iso Rivolta Daytona was similar in concept to the Giotto Bizzarrini-designed Iso Grifo and was conceived as a dual purpose race car that could also be used on the street. It was designed with racing as its primary function. The sophisticated chassis, lightweight aluminum body and powerful American V8 made for stunning performance.
Giotto Bizzarrini was involved with the initial design of the Daytona but left the company in late 1965. Renzo Rivolta continued with the project further developing the chassis and contracted Giorgio Neri and Luciano Bonacini of the famous Modena Carrozzeria Neri e Bonaccini (Nembo) to design and built the bodies. Bizzarrini continued to offer technical assistance to the project. The Daytona made its public debut at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza in 1966 were it was greeted with great excitement.
Combining a lightweight aluminum body and sophisticated chassis with American power the Iso Daytona had incredible performance for the day. Front suspension is by double unequal length wishbones and coil spring/damper units. At the rear a de Dion axle is located by four-bar trailing arms and a Watts link with inboard disc brakes. Wheels are Campagnolo alloy knockoffs.
1967 Iso Rivolta Daytona For Sale
Details: Seller Canepa Design is asking $295,000. Car is located in California.
Seller Comments: “This car is a time capsule from 1967 and is the definition of the term “Barn Find”. Never modified or molested in any way this car still has it’s original interior, engine, transmission, and running gear. The all aluminum body is in remarkably good condition. The car appears to have never been in an accident and the chassis is absolutely rust free. The body was painted once in the 1980’s. All the original factory undercoating and finishes are still on the chassis taking away all the guesswork for a future restoration.”
“It is believed that Iso built no more than five Daytonas and only two open top cars. Both open top cars exist today, the sister car has been restored for historic car racing in England. It is believed that this car is the only Iso Daytona left in original “as built” condition.”
Sports Car Digest Comments: Hard to decipher the market price on a car this unique. Here are the prices on the Iso Grifo – our best bet for a comparison price. The September – December 2008 Cars That Matter price guide suggests a $178,000 – $390,000 range.
Iso and Bizzarrini prices have skyrocketed over the past 12-18 months, as buyers became more aware of the great value, performance and looks offered by the Italian hybrids. The asking price of this distinctive Daytona seems reasonable, as it allows the buyer to properly restore it without being too far underwater when finished. And if the body and chassis are as good as described, this may be an interesting concours preservation class competitor.
Iso Rivolta Daytona Photos:
August 2010 Update: 1965 Strale Daytona 6000GT Prototype (Iso Daytona) Coupe, Body by Neri & Bonacini; S/N 1R330039; Dark Red/Tan leather, Beige cloth inserts; Estimate $550,000 – $750,000; Competition restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $475,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $522,500
(See RM Auctions – Monterey Sale Results).
[Source: Canepa Design]
