Enzo Ferrari is both directly and indirectly responsible for some of the world’s most legendary cars of all time. Alongside being the force behind a slew of iconic Prancing Horse models, Enzo was also known to, at times, rub people the wrong way, getting into disputes with individuals that would ultimately be motivated to build their own Ferrari killers — sometimes largely out of pure spite. One such person was Giotto Bizzarrini, who, after serving as the chief engineer behind the game-changing Ferrari 250 GTO, would later have a falling out with Enzo, prompting him to start his own automotive firm in 1964, taking aim squarely at the Maranello marque.
Operating under the banner of Bizzarrini S.p.A , the company would sadly only exist for a few years, going under in 1969, though not before producing some incredible automobiles such as the 5300 GT. Sold badged as both an ISO and a Bizzarrini, the 5300 GT first broke cover in 1965 and would ultimately represent the most capable car the short-lived firm would ever produce. Powering the two-seater was a 470-hp 5.3-liter V8 supplied by Chevy that came hidden beneath ultra-sleek Bertone-designed bodywork. Previously inspected by noted Bizzarrini expert Jack Koobs de Hartog, this particular 1965 Bizzarrini 5300 GT left the factory in late ’65 before later being treated to an extensive restoration that included seeing the car converted to ISO A3/C Corsa (i.e. race) specification.
Weighing in at just 2,400lbs, this example also wears a complete period-correct set of bare-metal thin-gauge aluminum bodywork, complete with LM-style headlight covers and a hood that’s flanked by intake scoops on either side and reinforced via leather straps and buckles. Trimmed in a combination of smooth and diamond-stitched leather, the car’s interior features bucket seats, hanging headrests, a three-arm steering wheel, STACK instrumentation, and a bespoke metal shift knob. Now tuned to produce only 448hp — albeit in favor of a more linear curve and increased torque — this 5300 GT also boasts disc brakes at all four corners, an independent front suspension, and a De-Dion rear axle.
This restored-to-ISO-A3/C-Corsa-specification 1965 Bizzarrini 5300 GT is currently for sale through Hertfordshire, England’s DK Engineering where its price is available upon request.
