1967 Bizzarrini 5300 GT "America"

After the Palace Revolt at Ferrari in 1961, Giotto Bizzarrini struck out on his own. Several low production vehicles were conceived under the ATS and ASA badges. During this time, Bizzarrini also designed the famous Ferrari “Breadvan” based on a 250 GT SWB chassis. In 1963, Bizzarrini went to Lamborghini for a short time to design a 3.5L V12 engine with a target output of 350 horsepower. Variations of the basic engine design were used until 2010 in the Lamborghini Murciélago SV.

 

After completing the engine design at Lamborghini, Bizzarrini partnered with Renzo Rivolta to develop a Grand Touring car. Using a Chevrolet small block and a De Dion rear axle, new body work was developed with Giorgetto Guigaro at Bertone. This resulted in two iconic Italian “muscle cars”, the Iso Rivolta and the Iso Grifo A3/L. Bizzarrini wanted to get back to racing, but Rivolta was not interested. Initially badged as the Iso Grifo A3/C, only 22 examples were completed before Bizzarrini and Rivolta split. Production continued under the Iso brand for the Rivolta and A3/L, while the A3/C was spun off under the Bizzarrini marque and named the 5300 GT.

 

Bizzarrini’s new car peaked at the 1965 Le Mans 24-hour race. It featured a low-slung 327 small block Chevy engine, mid-mounted behind the front suspension, fed by four Weber side draft DCOE carburetors. Finishing first in the P5000+ class, and ninth overall, the 5300 GT hit 188 MPH on the Mulsanne straight. This was only bested by one other car at 189 MPH, a 7.0L Ford GT-40. In 1966, Bizzarrini launched a new version of the 5300 GT known as the “America”. Lower priced than the “Strada” at the time, it featured the same basic powerplant design but was equipped with independent rear suspension, a single four-barrel carburetor, and a fiberglass body. Fewer than a dozen examples of the “America” were ever built.

 

This particular vehicle is shown in a hybrid Corsa specification. The independent rear suspension was retained, but the single Holley four-barrel was removed for a race specification Weber setup. Grand Touring Enterprises has been trusted by the current owner of this iconic machine with restorative and routine maintenance.