• Rare Italo-American hybrid
• One of only 317 built
• 5.4-litre V8 engine and automatic transmission
• Present ownership since 2004

Bubblecar manufacturer Iso joined the ranks of supercar constructors in 1962 with the launch of the Giotto Bizzarrini-designed Rivolta coupé at the Turin Motor Show. Renzo Rivolta's Isothermos company had begun life pre-war making refrigerators, turning to the manufacture of scooters, under the Iso name, after the war and thence to the highly successful Isetta bubblecar. Interviewed for Octane magazine (issue 151) Renzo's son Piero recalled that his father liked fast cars but could not find one that really suited him; one that was fast, comfortable and reliable: "He decided that Iso should produce a fast car that was genuinely useable every day, and priced somewhere between a Jaguar and a Ferrari." The result was the Rivolta.

Styled at Carrozzeria Bertone by Giorgetto Giugiaro and powered by a 327ci (5.4-litre) Chevrolet V8 engine, the four-seat Rivolta employed a steel platform chassis featuring independent front suspension, a De Dion rear axle and disc brakes all round. Iso's first supercar set the pattern for those that followed: Bizzarrini-designed chassis, Bertone coachwork and Chevrolet engines, its future developments including the long-wheelbase, Ghia-styled Fidia four-door saloon; the muscular, short-wheelbase Grifo; and the Rivolta-replacement Lele.

Also known as the Rivolta Lele, the newcomer was named after Piero's wife Rachelle (LeLe) Rivolta, for whom it was originally intended as a Christmas present! The Lele debuted at the New York Auto Show in 1969 and was intend as a competitor for Lamborghini's Espada. General Motors supplied V8 engines and transmissions at first before Iso switched to Ford, while the luxurious interior was trimmed in leather and featured air conditioning and electric windows. Only 317 Leles were produced between 1969 and 1974.

This rare Italo-American hybrid was acquired at a UK auction in 2004 (purchase invoice on file). In 2014, the car was extensively overhauled, focussing on mechanical and structural enhancements (a full list is on file and worthy of inspection).

Ahead of sale, the car has been recommissioned, which consisted of a replacement fuel pump; fuel lines; carburettors rebuilt; replacement fuse box and a new battery. Additional paperwork consists of an interior diagram; copies of old MoT certificates; a list and photographs of works carried out in 2014; and an old UK V5 registration document (TGF 493L).

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.