For car enthusiasts and collectors, few experiences compare to the thrill of uncovering a rare classic that’s been tucked away for decades.
Such is the story of the one-of-one 1964 Iso Grifo A3/L Spider prototype—a car that once impressed audiences at European auto shows before languishing for over 40 years in an overlooked collection.
Recently, this legendary piece of automotive history was auctioned in Los Angeles for an impressive $1,875,000, marking the beginning of an eagerly anticipated restoration.
The Iso Grifo A3/L Spider prototype, originally designed by a young Giorgetto Giugiaro, was a bold statement of Italian craftsmanship and aesthetic.
Revealed at the 1964 Geneva Motor Show, this prototype featured sleek lines and an open-top, low-slung design that immediately caught attention.
Known as the “sister car” to the A3/L coupe, it represented a groundbreaking collaboration between Giugiaro and Iso’s technical director Giotto Bizzarrini, created during a time when Iso aimed to establish itself among Italy’s legendary automotive brands.
After its debut in Europe, the A3/L Spider crossed the Atlantic in 1967, eventually arriving in New York City. In 1973, TV producer and car collector Greg Garrison, renowned for his impressive array of rare vehicles, acquired the Spider.
Despite Garrison’s clear fondness for the car, a turn of events in 1980 led him to sell it to Los Angeles scrapper Rudi Klein after a period of negotiation.
Unfortunately, Klein was notorious for buying cars only to abandon them, and the A3/L Spider was no exception. Like the rest of Klein’s collection, this rare prototype was left to decay, succumbing to rust and the ravages of time.
But as with many classic cars, the Iso Grifo A3/L Spider has now reemerged into the spotlight.
At the recent Los Angeles auction, collectors and enthusiasts recognized the potential in this historic vehicle, and one determined bidder claimed the opportunity to revive it.
The car’s sale price of $1,875,000 reflects not only its scarcity but also the promise it holds for restoration.
Although it may currently be a “project car,” the A3/L Spider represents more than just a vehicle—it’s a piece of automotive heritage, crafted by one of the world’s most celebrated car designers.
The upcoming restoration project promises to restore the A3/L Spider to the stunning, powerful beauty it displayed in its prime. Once completed, the reborn A3/L Spider will likely become a highly prized fixture on the vintage car show circuit.
For now, the classic car community awaits updates on the restoration, looking forward to the day this iconic car returns to the road in its original splendor.
As with all classic car restorations, the process will take time, but the outcome promises to be well worth the wait.
For followers of the classic car world, the story of the Iso Grifo A3/L Spider serves as a testament to the enduring allure of Italian automotive design.
It’s a reminder that even the rarest treasures can eventually find their way back into the spotlight.