by Mike –
I have written about this unique Iso Grifo before. It has a very special history and RM has done a reasonable job describing that history but their description is not quite complete.
RM says this,
400 bhp, 7.0-liter Chevrolet V-8 engine, Richmond six-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension, de Dion rear axle with longitudinal and transverse links and coil springs, and front and rear disc brakes. Wheelbase: 98.4 in.
* “The Ennezeta”; the last car on the Grifo production line in 1974
* Utilizes features not seen on any other Iso Grifo
* Tastefully modified for grand touring
* Invited to The Quail in 2012 as part of the 50 years of Iso display
RM also says,
… this car boasts several special features that make it unique among Iso Grifos, namely the presence of a more traditional hood with a lower scoop rather than those with the “pagoda”-style hood seen on other 427- and 454-powered Grifos.
They fail to mention that this hood scoop is from the Iso Rivolta GT design and no production Grifo ever had this hood scoop.
RM also fails to mention that this Grifo originally had the series 2 front end with the partially covered headlights and that Salvatore Diomante changed it to the series 1 open headlight style. It also originally had a Ford engine not the Chevrolet engine it has today.
It is titled as a 1967 even though it was originally completed in the late 1970s. The chassis number should be 413 not 223.
However, I think this is a very beautiful Iso Grifo and it would make a terrific driver. These photos are mine from The Quail, A Motor Sport Gathering in Carmel, California in 2012.
Read more details on this one-of-a-kind Iso Grifo here.
Read the RM description here.
Sell your classic car on My Car Quest – click here.
Hi all, ,Ennezeta was a company from Roberto Negri and a other guy, who were building a Grifo and a Lele from left over parts from the old bankrupt Iso company.
Years ago I meet a Italian guy who was married to a Dutch lady, and he told me he has bought this Ennezeta which has fibreglass black bumpers.
After a car accident between Antwerpen Belgium and Breda The Netherlands ,It caused a broken or bad welded rear axle , he sold the totally wrecked car.
This is the Ennezeta car than I believe this is the car which Diomante converted to a series 1,and replace the Ford engine for a Chevy.
But I think there are others too who know this story.
Simon
Hello Simon, long time so talk and ik hoop dat alles goed is met je?
Indeed, some of it’s history did not get mentioned in the auction listing. The car was built by Roberto Negri and Mauricio Zanisi (“N”-“Z” making Ennezetta in Italian) with Piero Rivolta’s support. It was sold, driven and totalled and Salvatore Diomante put the remains of the car together with the stuff he had available at that time – using Grifo 223 in the process. I remember it was marketed once as “the 7-liter prototype” while this car has nothing to do with that. However, I saw the car in person a few times and must say it looks beautiful. So, for someone who likes a very nice looking Grifo Hot Rod, this is the car to go for. For originality purposes, it would not be my personal choice.
Maurice Mentens
With Grifo’s going for 300-400K here is a interesting angle on this car.
The car probably has 223’s VIN on the shock tower but stamped 413 elsewhere. There may even be a 413 plate under the 223 plate, so for the price of one car the buyer actually could get two. The evidence is potentially there for both especially if the 223 plate is welded on top of the 413 stamp.
I believe Roberto still has the nose for 413 as it was traded to Diamonte for a series one nose that is currently on the car.
For us in the Iso world we know this type of project is very doable.
The buyer could get two cars for the price of one . Now what is this car worth?
Oh, like several Bizzarrini’s that have arisen from their ashes? lol! Well, if you see it that way, I’m sure some people are now pricking their ears because 223 is an “open” VIN for Grifo’s. However, the insiders would always know.
And I don’t think it’s value is being discussed, just it’s origins and it’s auction description. We have seen crazy prices paid for “wrong” cars before and it will happen again – more frequently even. I wish the buyer all the best with this one, he sure looses a gorgeous driver.
Maurice Mentens
Hi Maurice ,
Nice to hear from you, Met mij gaat alles goed ik hoop met jouw ook?
On the moment I am more into other car brands and I am very bussy whit other project’s
regards
simon
Yes Simon, alles goed hier en vooral lekker warm!
Bloed kruipt waar het niet gaan kan, right? Yes I heard and you just stay busy, in about 50 years they will probably bury me in some strange marque project too, lol!
Maurice Mentens
Well we all know the car is 413 with 223 paperwork
IMO both cars 🙂 would be worth more if they were in their original condition
Totally possible to do for a guy like Roberto, heck some of those rust buckets people drop off aren’t far off from the work it would take to build two out of the one.
I don’t think 223 could be an open VIN as long as this 413/223 hybrid is in the shape it currently is, but if the owner decided to make things right it’s a possibility. Stranger things have happened like building 223 out of 413!
Mike,
Just found this.
http://www.oldfactorygarage.com/
Interesting, because this car has the same number which was used for the Enezeta Grifo (#413) and this is also for sale now…
Maybe the double numbered period starts at ISOs also after Bizzarrini?
Best regards,
Adam
Thanks Adam – the chassis number stamp looks real to me.
Whoa! Wonder what the VIN tag looks like on 413?
So 223 is now a A3C
You know whats interesting about this is that when the project was started the A3C replica was worth more than the Grifo, but today an original Grifo is worth more than a A3C copy. In the long run they would have been better off restoring the car as it was built.
BTW I recognize that shop it’s in Italy
Mike – I agree with you – a steel bodied Grifo restoration would likely cost less and be worth more now.