1973 Iso Rivolta Lele Coupe Registration Number: TLH 375M C...

Estimate

£19,000 - £22,000

1973 Iso Rivolta Lele Coupe

Registration Number: TLH 375M
Chassis Number: TBC
Recorded Mileage: c.65,000 miles

- Subject to older restoration
- Single ownership from 1997 to 2024
- Recently recommissioned prior to sale

A credible rival to the likes of the Aston Martin DBS and Ferrari 365GT 2+2, the Iso Lele was even more exclusive, filling the gap between the two seater Grifo and the luxurious four door Fidia. Styled by Giugiaro of Bertone, and the car was in fact named after Piero Rivolta's wife. A low-volume model with only 260 units made, some fitted with the Corvette motor, 135 with Ford power. It’s believed that less than 50 were made to Right-Hand-Drive specification, with around 35 UK imports. The model was phased out when Iso closed its doors in December 1974. 

This Ford-powered example was built on the last day of July 1973, to be first registered in the UK at the start of the following January. Originally finished in metallic gold with an ivory-coloured leather interior, the Lele was fitted with the 351ci Ford Cleveland Cobra Jet motor developing a healthy 325bhp, coupled to Ford’s three speed Cruise-O’matic automatic transmission, and specified with Z.F. power steering, air conditioning, superb Campagnolo elektron wheels and a lovely Nardi leather steering wheel. As a later production model, our car has the more attractive Sport-type dashboard, featuring auxiliary gauges in front of the passenger. 

Subject of a restoration in the mid-1990s, the Lele was sold at auction in 1997, at the time benefitting from fresh engine and gearbox rebuilds. We presume around the same time the coachwork was refinished in its current shade of silver metallic. The Lele also features upgrades such as Kenlowe fans, a Filter King fuel regulator/filter, battery cut-off and (it must be said) a magnificent sounding P.D. Gough stainless exhaust system. Between 1997 and 2024 the Lele was on long-term display in an overseas motor museum, returning to the UK into new ownership in 2024.

Over the last year the Lele has been recommissioned and reunited with its original UK registration number of TLH 375M. Recent maintenance works include a full service with all fluids (including blue glycol coolant), new coolant hoses and an ignition overhaul with a new Marelli coil, fresh points, condensers, distributor cap, HT leads and plugs. The fuel system benefits from a new pump and hoses, new four-barrel Holley carburettor, also air filter and assembly. A new Bosch battery has been fitted, and other wiring repairs attended to as required. The car sits on replacement Pirelli tyres, and handles/stops smartly with the help of a new track rods, ATE brake master cylinder and a brake fluid flush. The under-bonnet area presents smartly with the original bonnet lining pad, and features a leak free, strong engine which shows factory oil pressure, and is smoke-free. The air conditioning does not currently work so will require some attention. 

The coachwork appears to be very solid, with excellent panel gaps. The 30 year old paintwork is now showing signs of age (in the form of marks, sinkage, blemishes) and so will benefit from some attention. The glass and bright work appear to be original and in good order. A spacious and accommodating car, the interior is generally well preserved and original, wearing factory-tooled leather showing a few minor repairs now required. The carpeting is part original, part replacement, the headlining is original and undamaged. The dashboard is in good order, fitted with a period radio and speakers; new lap and diagonal front seat belts are installed.

A cool, powerful, characterful and very rare exotic Italian GT, with robust and reliable engineering which is straightforward to maintain, this highly usable example has great road presence, and offered at an eminently sensible estimate. The Lele has a current MoT certificate to November 2025, with no advisories.