Italian style fused with American muscle

Giotto Bizzarrini was a former Ferrari executive and freelance designer. In addition, Bizzarrini worked with Lamborghini, designing their legendary V12 engine, and for Iso, where he developed motorbikes and cars. Among his first projects was to design the Grifo, based on a shortened Iso Rivolta chassis, retaining the original car’s running gear. Bizzarrini saw potential in the Grifo and obtained permission from Iso chairman, Renzo Rivolta, to manufacture a high-performance version under his own name. This was suitably named the Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada, and was available to the public from 1964.

The Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada was equipped with independent front suspension, a rear axle by de Dion, four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes, and a limited-slip differential. Early examples were powered by a 5.4-litre Chevrolet V8, fed fuel by three Weber carburettors, with later versions being equipped with the 7.0-litre example and a Holley carburettor. The Strada produced 365 hp and was capable of reaching 62 mph in less than seven seconds, with a top speed of 174 mph.

This beautiful 1968 Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada will be available at RM Sotheby’s upcoming Guikas Collection auction held on 19 November 2021. Photos: Peter Singhof © Courtesy of RM Sotheby's