Vendor supplied images and very detailed video at the bottom of the listing
Highlights
Beautifully original Lele with miniscule mileage
Immaculate bodywork and interior looks like it has just left the factory
One of just 285 Leles built of which only 112 were 300s
Designed by Gandini with chassis engineering by Bizzarrini
5.4litre 300bhp Chevrolet power and 4spd manual gearbox
The Appeal
After Iso Rivolta’s switch from bubble cars to GT cars the firm was on a roll. The Lele, named after Renzo’s daughter, was a 2+2 GT designed to fit between the Grifo and Fidia in the firm’s model line up.
Using the same Bizzarini-designed chassis as its siblings but with radical styling by Bertone’s Marcello Gandini, the Lele had rarified GT cars like the Lamborghini Espada in its sights.
Just 285 Leles were built of which only 112 were 300bhp 5.4litre Chevrolet models like this one. A beautifully original car, it looks factory-fresh because it has covered barely more than 8,000kms in its 51 years. It will surely enhance any classic car collection.
Presented in what we understand to be factory correct burgundy red metallic over cream
1972 car
Mentioned in a book covering the marque’s history which we understand to be Iso Rivolta: The Men, The Machines
Recently serviced
Ceramic wax polished prior to sale
One of the last cars built with the 4.9litre 300bhp Chevrolet engine with 4spd manual gearbox
One of 112 Lele 300s built
At the time of writing we did not have sight of the car’s service or maintenance records
The Lele was designed as a 2+2 to fit between Iso’s Grifo 2 seater and Fidia four door saloon. It used the same chassis as those cars, a set up engineered and designed by Bizzarrini, formerly of Ferrari fame.
The bodywork was penned by Marcello Gandini and follows similar themes and ideas to his Lamborghini Espada, with which this car was designed to compete.
Power initially came from Chevrolet V8s before a switch in 1972 to Ford power in 5.4litre or 5.8litre guises with power ranging from 300 to 355bhp. Detailed chassis records collated by the Iso Registry confirm that this car is one of the very last to be fitted with the 300 Chevrolet engine.
The car’s very high price kept volumes low with just 285 leaving the Rivolta works between 1970 and 1974. This car is one of just 112 Lele 300s built with the smaller capacity engine and one of the first to get the Chevrolet power.
The car is mentioned in a book covering the marque’s history.
Very attractive interior with interesting detailing and spacious feel thanks to the large glasshouse
Sumptuous cream leather interior with tasteful light wood veneers in very good condition
High specification includes power steering, electric windows and air conditioning
Supple leather in superb condition for a 51 year old car
Practical and spacious 2+2 layout
Beautiful wood-rimmed three spoke steering wheel
Jaeger dials and switchgear in virtually as-new condition
Later radio cassette fitted
Carpets and trim in very good condition and appear to be factory original and correct
The clever design of the Lele, with its curving window line, enables a large glasshouse that gives the cream interior of this beautiful car an almost space-age feel. It is neatly designed with interesting touches like the bank of auxiliary dials above the main gauges cut through by light wood veneer.
The Lele was designed as a very comfortable 2+2 GT and this spacious interior includes power steering, electric windows and air conditioning fitted as standard.
In this very low mileage car the sumptuous interior looks like it has just left the showroom. The cream leather of the seats appears supple and free of wear, just the very lightest of creases being visible to indicate that this is a 51 year old car. The wood veneers and array of switchgear and fittings are in similar condition. There is a lovely wood-rimmed wheel with three aluminium spokes.
The car appears to be entirely factory standard, only a more modern radio cassette - which doesn’t look out of place - the only concession to the intervening years.
Simple, stylish design contains many clever Gandini touches
Neat styling touches like the headlamp shrouds, chrome side trim connecting front and rear bumpers and the curving window line
Stunning burgundy metallic paintwork recently treated to a ceramic wax polish by the vendor
Alloy wheels in very good condition and fitted with quality Michelin tyres
Chromework, glasswork and lights in very good, apparently original condition
When Rivolta decided to take on Lamborghini in the upmarket 2+2 GT sector it turned to the man who had designed their competitor, the Espada. For the Lele Marcello Gandini revisited some of the ideas tested out on its rival, but the Iso offers something different and unique.
It is an unusual design but one that is very cleverly detailed, the chrome trim connecting the sliver of side bumpers, side grilles and the upticks in the glasshouse profile being particularly notable. The headlamp shrouds are also a neat touch that help lower the front end profile of the car.
This 1972 car is finished in what we understand is the factory original burgundy metallic paint, a shade that seems to suit the car well. It has recently been treated to a ceramic wax polish by the vendor. It, along with the chromework, lights and glasswork are in exceptional condition with no visible flaws or marks immediately noticeable in the photographs.
The car sits on factory correct alloy wheels in similar condition and Michelin tyres.
Bizzarrini designed chassis shared with Fidia and Grifo
Left hand drive
Rear wheel drive
Where Iso’s rivals like Lamborghini offered complex V12 in-house designed motors, the firm instead used USA-sourced engines. Until 1972 Leles were fitted with Chevrolet V8 power, from 1972 they got Ford power in 5.4litre and 5.8litre outputs offering 300-350bhp. The engines were not simply crated over and dropped into the cars - Iso tended to dismantle and then fully rebuild them before installation.
This car is one of 112 Lele 300s, meaning that it is fitted with the 5.4litre 300bhp version of the Chevrolet engine. Chassis data compiled by the Iso Registry indicates that this car was one of the last fitted with the Chevrolet engine. This is mated to a 4spd manual gearbox.
This car shows an exceptionally low mileage and the condition of the interior and exterior strongly indicate that this is correct. Unfortunately we did not have access to the car’s service and maintenance record at the time of writing but the level of presentation suggests that it accurately reflects the mileage. Iso Rivolta LELE_28.jpg216.81 KB
Summary
Developed by two of Italy’s greatest car men, like a vintage wine or object d’art, the Iso Lele is one of those cars as much to be admired as to be actually used.
This immaculate 1972 car looks stunning in burgundy over cream. With barely any use over its 51 years it is an opportunity to enjoy one of these very rare cars pretty much as it left the factory.
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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