1968 Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada

Chassis No. IA30321

In May 2023, automotive enthusiasts worldwide mourned the loss of Giotto Bizzarrini, a transformative figure in the Italian automotive industry responsible for some of the most influential engines and cars of the 1960s. Initially working with Alfa Romeo and then Ferrari, he played a pivotal role in the creation of the fabled Ferrari 250 GTO, a follow-up to his work on the 250 GT SWB. Despite his significant contributions, Bizzarrini's career at Ferrari ended during Ferrari's “Night of the Long Knives,” which saw Bizzarrini found Società Autostar in 1962 where he continued to innovate. Notably, the firm developed a dual overhead-cam V12 engine for Ferruccio Lamborghini which Sant'Agata would continue to produce for five decades.

Bizzarrini's influence didn't stop there. Iso Autoveicoli Chairman Renzo Rivolta duly enlisted Bizzarrini to design luxury GTs, including the Iso Grifo, which laid the groundwork for the cars that would soon bear his name. Bizzarrini's engine expertise wasn't required, as the company decided to follow the trend set by De Tomaso of combining American V8 grunt with Italian design. Bizzarrini instead concentrated on developing his cars' advanced pressed-steel chassis, de Dion rear suspension, double-wishbone front suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes. This resulted in the creation of the street-oriented A3/L (Lusso or luxury) and the race-focused A3/C (Corsa or race) versions, with the aluminum-bodied Iso A3/C racer in particular serving as the foundation for the Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada.

Produced under his own company, Prototipi Bizzarrini, the 5300 GT Strada (Street) retained the ultra-wide, low-slung design of the A3/C Grifo originally penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Bertone and featured a front-mid-mounted Corvette-sourced 327 cu-in (5.4-liter) engine producing 365 PS. Placed as far back over the front axle as possible for ideal weight distribution, it was paired with a BorgWarner four-speed manual transmission and a limited slip differential. Lightweight competition variants of the 5300 GT Strada proved highly competitive, claiming second in class at the Nürburgring 1000 Kms and 14th overall at 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1964; however, financial difficulties would prevent Bizzarrini from mounting the full-scale assault on Le Mans that he had envisioned. In 1969, Bizzarrini closed its doors after producing just 133 cars in total.

The origins of this 1968 Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada are expertly chronicled in Bizzarrini: The Genius Behind Ferrari's Success by the late marque authority Jack Koobs de Hartog. According to the definitive Bizzarrini registry, this example was originally finished in Silver over a Black leather interior and featured the Series II dashboard, which served as a more user-friendly update to the original competition-optimized layout. It was first registered in 1968 to an American owner, retained it for more than two decades until it was acquired in 1990 by its second owner, who brought it to Germany. Here it received a three-year restoration by noted restoration expert Franz Prahl of Prahl Oldtimer-Restauierungen in Preußisch Oldendorf whereupon it was repainted in its current striking red finish. The refreshed Bizzarrini was subsequently sold to the Streicher Museum, and is believed to have remained there until it was purchased by prominent collector Lothar Heibel in 1999. The car was briefly located in the Netherlands, with the essential Bizzarrini text noting that Jack Koobs de Hartog himself saw the car in 2001 before it returned to Germany c. 2003, where it has remained ever since.

Acquired by the consignor in 2003, this example was awarded “Most Beautiful Coupé” at Techno Classica Essen. Notably, the Bizzarrini was fitted with an increased displacement Chevrolet 6.3-liter V8 in 2006-producing a mighty 425 PS. The rare Bizzarrini continued to collect awards at esteemed concours events on an international scale. Its accomplishments include a Best of Show at the 2008 Zürich Concours in Bürkliplatz (today the Zürich Classic Car Award), Best in Class: 'Modern Classics' at the 2011 Kuwait Concours d'Elegance, and the Best in Class: “Best Restored to Original Condition,” at the 2021 Concours of Elegance Germany in Lake Tegernsee.

This 1968 Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada is now offered today following 23 years of single collector ownership. It is furnished with its 2009 FIVA Identity Card from its various concours entries and a digital copy of its essential Bizzarrini Register entry.

More than two decades of accolades have established the standard for this example's exceptional presentation. Finished in a striking red over black specification favored by connoisseurs of quintessential Italian sports cars, further enhanced by an enhanced Chevrolet V8, and documented by the chief Bizzarrini expert, this Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada is positioned to continue its award-winning legacy and command adept admiration wherever it appears.