by Mike –
Renzo Rivolta, the founder of Iso Automobili S.p.a. an Italian automobile manufacturer, was a visionary. After the devastation heaped upon Italy by WWII he saw the need for inexpensive transportation for Italy and all of Europe.
Iso Rivolta GT
Iso began manufacturing scooters, motorcycles, small trucks, the Isetta mini-car (made famous by BMW who licensed the design from Iso) and eventually Grand Touring (GT) cars, which featured Italian styling and American engines.
Several Iso cars In Monterey
Renzo Rivolta died at the young age of 58 in 1966 and his 25 year old son, Piero Rivolta, took over the Iso company – the youngest major car company CEO in history.
Piero Rivolta*
Unfortunately, Iso went out of business in 1974 due to many factors including the oil crisis of the time. However, the company’s cars live on today in the hearts and minds of car lovers who collect, drive, restore, race and show these great cars at events all over the world.
The Quail, A Motor Sport Gathering
At one of the most prestigious automotive events in the world, The Quail, A Motor Sport Gathering, we will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Iso GT on August 17, 2012 in Carmel, California.
If you can make it stop by and see these wonderful cars and meet some of the owners. Or if you own one of these cars I would love to see it in Carmel.
Piero Rivolta will attend as well!
Continue reading about Iso car models….
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*Photo of Piero Rivolta courtesy of Martyn L. Schorr.
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