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Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada
Giotto Bizzarrini is one of the greatest names in the history of automotive engineering. He worked for Ferrari, Lamborghini and Iso. In fact, he helped create some of the finest sports cars of the ’60s, including the mythical Ferrari 250 GTO. But in the mid-60s, Giotto decided to produce his own sports car using an Iso Grifo base. Soon, he introduced the Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada.
It was a semi-racing model he transformed into a road going coupe. Under the hood was a 5.3-liter Chevrolet V8; hence, the name 5300 GT. Bizzarrini tuned the engine to produce higher HP ratings. Also, he moved it as far back as possible for the best weight distribution. And they built the car using aluminum, so it was light.
That low weight made it fast, even by today’s standards, so it was a good base for a race car. Bizzarrini entered the 5300 GT in several races, winning some. However, a lack of funding and competition from much stronger brands made him retire from the car making business.