The “Furetto” represents the first transformation of Iso Rivolta. Renzo Rivolta understood that the Italian public was in need of a cheap means of transportation. He decided to concentrate on a small scooter, while continuing the production of heaters and refrigerators. The first scooter, although comfortable and safe, was not a big success due to its poor performances.
The second iteration of scooters was developed by Ing. Speluzzi from Politecnico, in collaboration with Ing. Scarpa. They created a unique engine design, with a single cylinder housing two pistons. The engine displacement was 125cc, with a 2x38mm bore and a 55mm stroke. It produced 6.7 hp at 5200 rpm.
This engine was used in 1949 to power the “Iso 125”, later called the “Isoscooter”, and in 1950 mounted on the “Iso Moto”, a lightweight version of the “Isoscooter”. The success of these models encouraged the company to produce new versions of the “Isomoto”, the Iso GT and the Iso Sport, which mounted the same engine but had larger tyres. They also offered a heavy-duty, three wheel version of the scooter called “Isocarro”.
In 1952 the Iso 200 was presented. The engine design was the same, but the displacement was increased to 198cc. The larger version of the split cylinder engine was capable of producing 9 hp at 4750 rpm.
The production of small motorbikes and scooters continued until 1962 and Iso F/150 became its last model. In the meantime, the company was undergoing a new transformation, focusing on the changing demands of the boom years, with the production of automobiles.
Watch the other episodes
-
Lele – E07
The last GT before the oil crisis
7 years agoThe Lele is the last GT produced by Iso Rivolta. With a brand new style, looking at the 70s, and a new powerful Cleveland engine, the car was to substitute the classic GT300. However, the oil crisis and the political turbulence forced the brand to close in 1974, with only 285 Lele produced.
-
GT300 – E03
The ideal Gran Turismo
7 years agoThe GT300 is one of the great Italian Gran Turismo cars of the 60s. When Roberto Negri bought it, Iso had already closed and the car couldn’t even receive proper service, so it wasn’t worth much, but not to Roberto, who took it upon himself to keep Iso’s heritage alive.
-
Bizzarrini’s A3C – E05
Renaissance of a race car
7 years agoThe A3C is the mother of the Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada. Created to compete in races, the project was soon abandoned by Iso Rivolta to concentrate on luxury vehicles for the road. Bizzarrini, instead, decide to start his own firm and keep producing the car, changing its name to the one we know today.
Although only 2 original vehicles still exist, Iso Restoration was granted a license to produce 10 more A3Cs with the spare parts that were left in Iso Rivolta’s warehouse.