Automobilia: A different kind of hybrid – European Style with American Muscle

Many a European exotic car builder during the 1960s and 1970s decided that the best way to get their sleek and sexy cars in production would be to use a tried and true American powerplant.

Bizzarrini GT 5300
Beginning in 1964 Bizzarrini worked for Renzo Rivolta at his company, Iso Rivolta, and there he was instrumental in developing three Iso models: the Iso Rivolta GT, Iso Grifo both A3/L and A3/C versions. The A3/C would later become the Bizzarrini GT 5300 (see the Iso chapter).

Iso Grifo A3/C

Bizzarrini split with Rivolta in 1964 and founded his own company that produced approximately 140 cars through 1969 at its Livorno, Italy factory. In 1966 Bizzarrini S.p.A. released a beautiful street legal Grifo A3/C badged as the Bizzarrini GT 5300 Strada (or Bizzarrini GT America, depending on the market).

1966 Bizzarrini GT 5300 Strada

Bizzarrini GT 5300 Strada Engine

Three GT 5300s were built as beautiful Style Italia designed Spyders (with a targa like top), all of which survive today.

One of the three Bizzarrini Spyders

Bizzarrini P538
The American racing driver, Mike Gammino, asked Giotto Bizzarrini to make a car for him to race in the North American Can-Am series. This request resulted in the Bizzarrini P538, which is a mid-engine racecar without a top. Originally two were made with a Lamborghini V12 engine and two were made with the Corvette 327 cid (5.3 liter) V8.

Bizzarrini P538

P538 "Duca d'Aosta"

Bizzarrini Manta

Bizzarrini S.p.A went out of business in 1969.