"CLASSIC OF THE DAY"
FROM
HYMAN LTD
Our classic choice today from across the pond,and is included after the information landed in my inbox
1970 ISO FIDIA SEDAN
The four-door Fidia is the ultimate Iso-Rivolta, along with the Lele
the last automobile in the American V-8 powered line that began with the
GT but traced its origins back to the company’s Isothermos heaters and
refrigerators, postwar scooters and motorcycles and the famous Isetta
bubblecar.
Originally conceived as the S4 and introduced in 1967, the Fidia’s
Giugiaro-designed 4-door body was airy, graceful, purposeful and sleek,
continuing Iso`s leadership in advancing automobile design. Extensive
re-design and assembly in Iso`s own factory after problems with the S4′s
coachwork and trimming by Ghia led to the Fidia`s recognition as the
ultimate in high performance, four-door, four-seat automobiles. Power
came from Chevrolet`s legendary 327 and 350 cubic inch Corvette small
block V-8 until late in production when Ford`s 351 Cleveland engine
replaced it and relied upon Iso’s proven independent front suspension,
deDion rear axle, four wheel power-assisted disc brakes (inboard at the
rear) and a lengthened version of the platform chassis so successfully
employed with welded body panels during Iso’s history. Some 4 inches
shorter than a Chevrolet Chevelle 4-door sedan, Iso packed the Fidia so
efficiently that it easily accommodated four 6-footers in comfort. With
the 350hp version of the Corvette engine it packed a top speed of over
140 mph and would cruise effortlessly at triple digit speeds in comfort
and silence.
Italy’s postwar economic miracle was, however, ending in a spate of
labor agitation, work stoppages and even violence. Although the Fidia
was Renzo Rivolta’s dream car only approximately 146 would be built
during seven years’ production from 1968-1974.
This 1970 Iso Rivolta Fidia is one of only approximately 104 built
with Chevrolet engines, one of only 26 of them with the ZF 5-speed
manual transmission and one of just 12 built for the U.S. market in
1970. It is powered by the high performance 350hp 327 cubic inch
Corvette engine incorporating Iso’s own forged connecting rods and high
capacity aluminum oil pan on its original Iso-stamped cylinder block.
Other features include 3.31:1 rear axle, 15×7 Borrani centerlock wire
wheels, power windows, air conditioning (updated with a modern
rotary-style compressor), Corvette valve covers and MSD electronic
ignition.
It has enjoyed a wonderful life, is rust free and has covered under
30,000 miles from new, a lovely, well-maintained highly original car
with an ivory repaint, attractively contrasting medium blue leather
upholstery, sound original interior wood trim and new carpets. It is a
car that has never been restored, or needed it, just maintained and
preserved by sympathetic owners. The engine compartment is tidy and
orderly and the upholstery has the patina which only years of limited
use and careful attention can impart. This is a great, honest Fidia, not
tired or edgy, that is more than good enough to be used with pride and
the confidence that continued careful use will not detract from its
quality and desirability. It is the king of European sport sedans.