Bizzarrini 5300 GT (ISO A3/C Specification) (1965)

Giotto Bizzarrini, the founder of Bizzarrini S.p.A, was a former Alfa Romeo, Ferrari and ISO engineer. His company specialised in the construction of highly advanced sports and racing cars, before their demise in 1969. Giotto Bizzarrini first worked for Alfa Romeo before he moved to Ferrari and was famously the chief engineer and mastermind behind the iconic and legendary Ferrari 250 GTO, now considered the most desirable Ferrari of all time. Following a dispute with Enzo Ferrari, Bizzarrini left and went to work for the ISO company with the aim of building a car to outperform the Ferraris on the race track. The 5300 GT Strada was launched in 1965 and proved to be the company's most successful enterprise. Under the bonnet of this low-slung, 2 seater was a Chevrolet V8. This 5.3-litre engine provided the power and this, combined with the stunning Italian styling, made for an exciting cocktail and a unique blend.

This is a genuine, early Bizzarrini which was inspected by Jack Koobs de Hartog, who is very much a recognised expert on Bizzarrinis and has written several books on the cars. The car was built at the end of 1965 when Piero Rivolta and Bizzarrini fell out and therefore, although much of the car would have been built alongside other ISO A3/C s, it was originally badged as a Bizzarrini.

Shortly after production was completed, the car was exported to the sunnier and warmer climes of California, where it remained until 2002. The car has been restored to match the specification of the first ISO A3/C Corsa; a car which, unlike the Bizzarrini-badged cars, raced in early 1964. This was an important factor; as the car needed to be able to gain entry to Goodwood. It now weighs just 1089kg, thanks to the correct thin-gauge aluminium body and the great attention and detail paid to weight-saving when restoring the car. It is also worth noting that any original part that was replaced during the rebuild has been carefully retained which includes all interior trim and brightwork etc. There are disc brakes all round, independent front suspension and a De-Dion rear axle. The engine BHP has been reduced from just over 470bhp to 448bhp in favour of a more linear curve and increased torque.

Accompanying the car are a large number of photographs of the rebuild and of the car in its dismantled state. The car is eligible for numerous events during the racing calendar, including the Goodwood TT, the Spa Six Hours and the Masters historic racing series where it would be without doubt a front runner in the right hands. It has always been the most photographed car at any event it attends and is both a crowd and race organisers' favourite due to its spectacular looks and performance. The car has proved competitive and placed on the podium in the Graham Hill Trophy at the Goodwood Members Meeting.

Presented in bare-metal form since its restoration, highlighting the extensive use of rivets across the bodywork; this fabulous Bizzarrini is available for viewings and inspections at our facilities outside London immediately.