1972–1974 Iso Grifo IR-8 Specs & Performance

By the early 1970s, the Iso Grifo had evolved into a more mature grand tourer, but the IR-8 kept the formula centered on a muscular V8 and elegant Italian design. Its long, low body concealed Ford rather than Chevrolet power, giving this later Grifo a different mechanical identity from the earlier big-block versions. The restrained styling was never meant to shout about the machinery underneath; instead, the IR-8 combined a sophisticated Italian silhouette with the straightforward character of a naturally aspirated American V8.

The 1972–1974 Grifo IR-8 uses a naturally aspirated 5.8-liter Ford 351 V8 producing 321 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual transmission drives the rear wheels, while the car reaches 162 mph and accelerates from 0–60 mph in 7.0 seconds. Its front-mid-engine layout and De Dion rear axle preserve the balanced grand-touring architecture that defined the Grifo.