This is the 1972 Iso Rivolta Varedo by Italian coach-building and design company, Zagato. During the late sixties and early seventies, mid-engined sports cars were coming a big hit, and Dr. Piero Rivolta Barberi, a mechanical engineer and owner of the ISO Rivolta company at the time, believed he should create one as well. ISO Rivolta is an Italian car & motorbike manufacturer that has been active since 1938 (originally Isothermos of Bolzaneto, a manufacturer of electric heaters and chillers). Rivolta seeked out the talent of Italian automobile designer, Ercole Spada, who was serving as Chief Stylist of the Zagato design house at the time, in to help bring his vision to life. The Varedo was named after ISO’s new factory location in Varedo, Italy, which is just 9 miles north of Milan. The Varedo developed in the hopes of generating interest in the ISO company as well as a way to demonstrate the companies technological potential. The fiberglass body features a popular (at the time) wedge-shape with numerous design elements that simply were unprecedented for any car when this arrived in the early 70s. Piero Rivolta reportedly requested that the car should be “no higher than his bellybutton”, and as a result, it seemingly gives off the appearance of a ‘flying saucer’ UFO! The project was carried out in collaboration with Italian automotive manufacturer Bizzarrini S.p.A., who lent the 8th AMX/3 chassis to ISO to be used in the construction of the Varedo. Sadly, only a year after the cars debut, ISO was sold mostly due to the effects from the oil crisis, and finally in 1974 the company would eventually file for bankruptcy. The Rivolta family managed to salvage the Varedo concept and it now sits in restored, fully-running condition, where it has been shown on display in numerous locations, including the Sarasota Classic Car Museum.
How many made? 1 of 1
Engine: Cleveland 351 small block V8 with a single, four-barrel Motorcraft producing 325hp
Debut: 1972 Turin Motor Show
Top Speed: 173mph (claimed)
0-60: 5.3 seconds (claimed)
Photo Credit: @intrepidaesthete,@bigbarto77
Research: @rarecarsonly