“I’ve been a client of Sarah & Dan for over 5 years, and I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my collection of vehicles. Classics to high-performance, each of my cars are treated with the utmost care and attention to detail. The team’s knowledge, professionalism, and passion for what they do are unmatched. I never have to worry about a thing—they know exactly what each vehicle needs and always go above and beyond to keep them in pristine condition. It’s rare to find a service provider that you can rely on consistently, year after year, but they’ve earned my loyalty by exceeding my expectations every time. I can confidently say that my collection is in the best hands possible.”
In the heart of rural France, tucked away in an overgrown orchard, sat a forgotten relic of automotive history—a 1973 Iso Grifo, right-hand drive, one of only a handful ever produced. For years, it had been quietly collecting dust in a dilapidated shed, hidden from the world and nearly forgotten by time.
The story began when a local farmer passed away, and his family decided to clear out the estate. Among rusted farming equipment and old crates, they stumbled upon a car, buried beneath a tattered old cover. At first, they didn’t recognize its significance. The once-glorious maroon body had faded and rusted, and cobwebs hung from the chrome bumper. But there was something unmistakable about its long, muscular frame and sharp angles—it wasn’t just any old car. The farmer’s son remembered hearing stories of his father’s “Italian gem,”
The car was an Iso Grifo, a rare collaboration between Italian automaker Iso and famed designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. Even more remarkable, it was a right-hand drive model, a configuration of only 5 in the world.
A collector from the UK, with a deep passion for rare Italian sports cars, caught wind of the discovery whilst on his travels through France. The poster car of his childhood, one that he vowed to own one day. So when he laid eyes on the Grifo, even in its decrepit state, he knew despite the cracked leather seats, the rust-riddled body, and the seized engine, he would do whatever it took to bring it back to its original glory.
The restoration took nearly nine years. Every nut, bolt, and panel was carefully disassembled, refurbished, or replaced with painstaking attention to authenticity. The engine—a mighty Chevrolet V8—was rebuilt to its original specifications. The interior, with its luxurious Italian leather and iconic wooden steering wheel, was meticulously restored to mirror its 1967 debut. Sourcing original parts became a global mission, with pieces coming from as far away as Italy, the US, and the UK.
As the years passed, the Grifo slowly began to transform. The dull paintwork gave way to a stunning deep burgundy finish, the original color it had left the factory in all those decades ago. The chrome sparkled like new, and when the engine finally roared to life for the first time, it echoed like a symphony of mechanical perfection.
Today, the Iso Grifo is once again a masterpiece. The collector, our client – now proudly displays it at classic car shows and special events. It’s not just the crown jewel of his collection; it’s a symbol of perseverance, passion, and a deep love for automotive history.
The Grifo, now gleams as a living reminder of what can be achieved through dedication and respect for craftsmanship. It’s more than just a car—it’s someone’s pride and joy, and it carries with it a story that will live on for generations.
We are proud to be part of this story, being the ones trusted to store and maintain the appearance along with the rest of our client’s collection.
Every car tells a story and it’s those stories that motivate us to provide the outstanding customer service that every client deserves. We look forward to hearing your story and becoming a part of it with you.
Surrey Detailing are a unit-based detailing and protection specialist in Ottershaw, Surrey. They have a long list of happy and returning clients along with strong relationships with many of the Surrey car dealerships.
Complete an enquiry form or schedule a call with Sarah to discuss your vehicle appearance and protection. https://surreydetailing.co.uk/#contactus