[1] Intended to compete with Grand Touring offerings from Ferrari and Maserati, it used a series of American power trains and components supplied by Chevrolet and Ford.

The 5.4-litre engine was rated at 300 hp (220 kW) in its standard form and allowed the car to attain a speed of 110 km/h (68 mph) in first gear.

[6] In 1970, the Grifo Series II was introduced, with sleeker styling and hide-away headlights and powered by big-block Chevrolet 454 V8 (7.4-litre) engines.

[5] Bizzarrini figured there would also be a demand for a race version of the Grifo and developed the A3/C (C for Corsa) with a dramatic, modified alloy body.

It was given a modified but reliable 5.4 litre Chevrolet small-block 327 V8 engine—having variable power outputs of 300–350 horsepower (220–260 kW)—coupled to a Borg-Warner 4-speed manual transmission.

In 1964, the prototype A3/C raced at Le Mans (driven by Edgar Berney and Pierre Noblet), running well until brake problems required a two-hour pit stop.

Designed by Bertone and featuring the stunning removable roof, the reliable 300 hp Chevy 327 V8, and the coveted ZF 5 speed transmission.

The massive power plant required several mechanical changes to the car in order to fit, i.e. strengthened chassis components as well as an enlarged engine compartment with reinforced mounts.

A large hood scoop (dubbed "Penthouse" due to its size) was added to clear for the engine's deck height.

A former employee of Iso, Roberto Negri, runs a small company in Clusone, Italy, specializing in maintaining and restoring Grifos.