It’s a name frequently associated with the greats of Italian vehicle production and motorsports, but this 1965 Bizzarrini from DK Engineering has a distinct history and a future that might involve participation in some of the world’s best historic events.
What do automobiles such as the De Tomaso Pantera, Ghia 450 SS, and ISO Grifo have in common? If you responded attractive looks and oodles of Italian charm, you would be correct; yet, appearance aside, all of these cars share the same distinction as our mid-1960s Bizzarrini: they are all Italian-built but powered by American motors.
Giotto Bizzarrini was a former Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, and ISO engineer, making him more than qualified to work on some of the world’s most renowned automobiles, including the 250 GTO. Despite his success at Maranello, Bizzarrini left after a disagreement with Enzo Ferrari and proceeded to work for the ISO firm, with the goal of developing a car that could outperform Ferraris on the racetrack. Giotto’s crowning achievement was the 5300 GT Strada, a low-slung racer with a 5.3-litre Chevrolet V8 under its skin. ISO and Bizzarrini had everything in place to take on Enzo, but a falling out between Piero Rivolta and Bizzarrini at the end of 1965, just as this car was being built, threw plans off course.
As a result, this particular version for sale from the ever-impressive DK Engineering is labeled as a Bizzarrini but has recently been repaired to ISO A3/C specification. It is one of just 12 out of 73 5300 GTs constructed with a lightweight aluminum body and De-Dion rear suspension. Despite becoming more widespread in the 1970s and 1980s, models like these were among the first to combine Italian talent and refinement with the power of an American-sourced engine.
It has now been fully restored to its former splendor and is set to conquer some of the world’s most renowned historic motorsport events. A major element here is that during the restoration, the car was designed to meet the specifications of the first ISO A3/C Corsa; a car that, unlike the Bizzarrini-badged cars, raced in early 1964 and thus qualifies for future events.
During the restoration, all of the original parts were painstakingly removed and saved, and they will be included with the automobile to preserve its heritage. Its roaring V8 engine is ready to be unleashed, and it is eligible for a number of racing events, including the prestigious Goodwood Tourist Trophy, the Spa Francorchamps Six Hours, and several Peter Auto vintage events. With a total weight of 1,098kgs, this Bizzarrini-turned-ISO could easily triumph on the racetrack in the proper hands!
Whether you choose to race it or simply stare at it in your garage with a huge grin, this is a piece of Italian racing history that has cemented its position in the future of vintage vehicle racing for many years.