The automotive world often witnesses the revival of classic designs, but few stories are as intriguing as that of the Bizzarrini 5300 GT Aperta Lusso. This exquisite gran turismo is the realization of a dream that began in the early 1960s, when a young Giorgetto Giugiaro sketched a design for a convertible version of the monumental 5300 GT. The design featured a removable roof supported by a central structural arch, a concept that would later inspire the Porsche 911 Targa.
However, Giotto Bizzarrini, the brilliant and eccentric Tuscan engineer, was obsessed with racing and performance. His focus was on shedding every unnecessary gram to enhance speed and agility. Comfort and luxury were not priorities, and thus, Giugiaro’s design ended up in a drawer in Livorno, forgotten but not lost.
The Marriage of Carbon Fiber and Classic Design
Today, the revived Bizzarrini brand has decided to honor this piece of automotive history. The 5300 GT Aperta Lusso is the car that Bizzarrini initially overlooked, reimagined through the lens of modern engineering. The sinuous curves and low-slung profile, originally crafted from aluminum by skilled craftsmen, are now recreated using a monocoque and carbon fiber body. This choice ensures torsional rigidity unknown to 1960s vehicles, thanks to a reinforced steel transmission tunnel of aerospace-grade material, while maintaining the iconic presence of the original ‘Corsa’.
The two carbon fiber roof panels integrate seamlessly with the frameless side windows and can be neatly stowed in the trunk when removed.
The Heart of an American Legend
Under the long hood beats a 5.3-liter Chevrolet Small Block V8, a tradition that Bizzarrini has upheld. The engineers have coaxed over 400 CV from this powerhouse. Unlike the original Weber carburetors, the modern fuel injection system has been cleverly designed to mimic the aesthetic of the old intake manifolds, a nod to purists. The transmission is a manual Tremec TKX with five gears, with an optional six-speed setup for the most demanding clients. The exhaust system, handcrafted to perfection, ensures the V8’s roar echoes the timeless sound of the 1960s.
Precision Engineering for the Purist
The Bizzarrini 5300 GT Aperta Lusso stays true to its analog soul. It features self-ventilating disc brakes without power assistance, and the double wishbone suspension with adjustable Koni shock absorbers replicates the original geometries. To preserve the classic look, the car is fitted with single-nut Campagnolo magnesium wheels and Pirelli tires with a classic profile. The top speed of 281 km/h is almost secondary to the exhilarating journey.
The first of the ten meticulously handcrafted units has been named ‘La Dolce Vita’. It is painted in Azzurro Gaia, a light metallic hue with golden flecks that evoke the reflections of the Ligurian Sea on sunny days. The interior is a testament to luxury craftsmanship, featuring an acer wood dashboard and upholstery by Ermenegildo Zegna. The gear shift knob, reminiscent of vintage tortoiseshell sunglasses, adds a touch of nostalgia. Modern amenities like climate control, Apple CarPlay, and wireless charging are discreetly integrated to preserve the purity of the original design.
Deliveries of this exclusive series will begin next year, allowing fortunate collectors to drive a piece of history that took six decades to come to life. Giotto Bizzarrini, wherever he may be, would undoubtedly be smiling.
