Bizzarrini
Bizzarrini
Founded
1964
Founders
Giotto Bizzarrini
Country
Italy
Headquarters
Livorno, Italy
Bizzarrini
Founded
1964
Founders
Giotto Bizzarrini
Country
Italy
Headquarters
Livorno, Italy
About this brand
Discover the history
Bizzarrini, an Italian automotive marque known for its high-performance sports cars, was founded by Giotto Bizzarrini, an engineer with a storied history in the automotive industry. Giotto Bizzarrini began his career at Alfa Romeo before moving to Ferrari, where he played a key role in developing the iconic Ferrari 250 GTO. However, after a fallout with Enzo Ferrari in 1961, Bizzarrini left the company and went on to work for several other prestigious brands, including ATS and Lamborghini, contributing to the development of groundbreaking models like the Lamborghini V12 engine.
In 1964, Bizzarrini decided to establish his own company, initially named Società Autostar, which later became Bizzarrini SpA. His goal was to create high-performance sports cars that combined advanced engineering with striking design. One of his first major projects under his own brand was the Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada, also known as the Bizzarrini A3/C. This car was developed as a street version of the racing car he had designed for Iso Rivolta, the Iso Grifo A3/C. The 5300 GT Strada featured a lightweight aluminum body, a front-mid-mounted Chevrolet V8 engine, and a sophisticated suspension system, making it a formidable competitor both on the road and the racetrack.
The Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada quickly garnered attention for its performance and handling. It was capable of reaching speeds of over 170 mph, making it one of the fastest cars of its time. Its racing counterpart, the Bizzarrini A3/C, achieved significant success in motorsport, particularly in endurance racing. The car’s most notable achievement was its class victory at the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it finished ninth overall, showcasing Bizzarrini’s engineering prowess and the car’s durability.
Despite its success, Bizzarrini faced numerous challenges, including financial difficulties and production issues. The company produced only a limited number of cars, making Bizzarrinis rare and highly sought after by collectors today. In addition to the 5300 GT Strada, Bizzarrini also developed other models, such as the P538, a mid-engined prototype designed for racing. The P538 featured a rear-mid-mounted engine and advanced aerodynamics, but it did not achieve the same level of success as the 5300 GT Strada.
The late 1960s and early 1970s were challenging for Bizzarrini. Financial constraints and competition from larger manufacturers made it difficult for the company to sustain its operations. By the early 1970s, Bizzarrini ceased production, and Giotto Bizzarrini shifted his focus to consulting and engineering work for other automotive companies.
Although Bizzarrini’s time as a car manufacturer was relatively short, the impact of its cars on the automotive world was significant. The Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada remains a symbol of Italian engineering excellence and innovation, admired for its performance, design, and racing pedigree. The legacy of Giotto Bizzarrini’s work continues to be celebrated by enthusiasts and collectors, and his contributions to automotive engineering have left an enduring mark on the industry.
Today, Bizzarrini’s cars are highly prized at auctions and classic car events, where their rarity and historical significance are appreciated. The marque’s blend of cutting-edge technology and timeless design has ensured that Bizzarrini remains an iconic name in the world of high-performance sports cars.
