One to Buy: 1968 Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada
In mid 1965, Iso boss Renzo Rivolta decided to end his collaboration with Giotto Bizzarrini who, from his facility in Livorno, had designed, built and raced he A3/C Grifo on Iso’s behalf.
As part of the severance deal, Bizzarrini got sole production rights to the A3/C and enough parts to build 50 cars in return for handing back the Grifo trademark to Iso.
Between 1965 and ‘68, Bizzarrini went on to assemble both Corsa and Strada versions of what became known as the 5300 GT; customers could mix and match whatever mechanical and trim componentry they liked to create a car tailored precisely to their own requirements. However, even in pure Strada trim with all the comforts you would expect of a high end Gran Turismo, the 5300 GT was still among the quickest cars available during the second half of the 1960s.
Despite its sensational looks and outstanding performance though, no more than 150 examples of the 5300 GT were built with some sources citing a figure of less than 100.
Unfortunately, owing to Bizzarrini’s patchy record keeping, high values and an off-the-shelf nature of its mechanical componentry, the 5300 GT ranks among the most widely faked Italian cars of the 20th century.
Currently on offer at the Thiesen Automobile showroom in Hamburg though is what appears to be an authentic 5300 GT from 1968, one that comes with a confidence-inspiring patina and correct features throughout. It has reputedly been in the same owner’s possession for 25 years and is presented in older restored condition.
Reprinted below is Thiesen Automobile’s description:
Original 5300 GT Stradale
Only approx. 149 vehicles built
Valuation report and FIVA licence
From collector's possession
Colour: Red
Interior: Black
Gearbox: Manual shift
Drive: Left
Power: 365 PS
Born in 1926, Giotto Bizzarrini was one of the leading racing car designers in Italy. Among other things, he designed the legendary Ferrari 250 GTO at Ferrari, which is now one of the most expensive sports car classics. He developed the V12 engine for Lamborghini, which was installed in the 350 GT, and supported the Iso company in the development of the Iso Rivolta and Iso Grifo.
His dream was to build a competitive racing car that could beat the Ferrari 250 GTO. He developed a sports car with a consistent lightweight aluminium construction, a low centre of gravity and a set-back engine. In a performance-optimised version, the Chevrolet engine achieved around 450 hp. The top speed was specified at around 275 km/h.
A total of around 149 vehicles were produced between 1963 and 1969 as road and racing versions. The small production run, the fabulous performance and acceleration from 0 to 100 in just 6 seconds and, last but not least, the extremely powerful looks made the Bizzarrini GT Strada 5300 a legend even in the 1960s.
The vehicle presented here is one of the few remaining original Bizzarrini 5300 GT Stradale from 1968. The car has been in our client’s circle for over 25 years and impresses with its very authentic and restored condition.
A large folder with FIVA papers, invoices, valuation reports, old newspaper articles and an extract from the Bizzarrini register are available. An absolute rarity for enthusiasts, collectors and investors!
