1973 Iso Fidia Saloon

1973 Iso Fidia Saloon
Coachwork by Ghia
Chassis no. B250162
5,766cc OHV Ford '351 Cleveland' V8
Single Carburetor
330bhp at 5,800rpm (gross)
3-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*One of only 192 Iso Fidias built
*Delivered new to the United States
*Italian styling, American power
*Styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro

THE ISO FIDIA

Bubblecar manufacturer Iso joined the ranks of supercar constructors in 1962 with the launch of the Giotto Bizzarrini-designed Rivolta coupé at the Turin Motor Show. Styled at Carrozzeria Bertone by Giorgetto Giugiaro, Iso's first supercar set the pattern for those that followed: Bizzarrini-designed chassis, Bertone coachwork and Chevrolet engines, though for the long-wheelbase Fidia four-door saloon Iso turned to Carrozzeria Ghia where it was styled by new recruit Giugiaro. Longer in the wheelbase by approximately 150mm, the Fidia was a more practical proposition that the two-door Rivolta on which it was based. Chevrolet engines of 5.4 or 5.7 liters were fitted initially while the final version came with a 5.8-liter Ford V8 under the bonnet. High development costs and a most luxurious specification resulted in the hand-built Fidia costing more than a Rolls-Royce. In total, only 192 were made between 1968 and 1974 when production of all Iso models ceased. John Lennon was one of the Fidia's high-profile celebrity owners, purchasing the second car built and the first with right-hand drive.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This ultra-rare Iso Fidia is one of only 35 built with the Ford Cleveland engine. According to the Fidia Registry, chassis number '162' was originally supplied to the United States and completed at the factory in December of 1972. The original color was not noted, but it was described as having air conditioning, power steering and a corduroy interior.

The early history of this Fidia is not recorded, but it understood to have spent the majority of its life in the US before being acquired by the present owner in December of 2013. Now finished in red with a white leather interior, the car appears to have been subject of some work many years ago but has been on static display for the past decade and will require recommissioning prior to use.

A rare luxury car that attracted numerous celebrity owners, you're all but guaranteed not to run into another Fidia at your local—or national—car show.