Rare ONES As on several occasions ago, we have discussed in the previous article about several car models made by Bizzarrini S.p.A. the Italian automotive company, and one of them, the legendary Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada. Coincedentally while surfing in the internet, we got pictures of such a unique GT prototype with a 2+2 configuration made by those Livorno-based automaker, which is said related to the brand's legendary model.
Bizzarrini GT America 2+2 is a grand tourer style and designed specifically for the American market without compromising any quality of the 5300 GT Strada. (Picture from: BringATrailer) |
Well, on this occasion we would like to discuss about mentioned 2+2 prototype called the Bizzarrini GT America 2+2. As quoted of Bizzarrini's official sites, as the name suggests this unique car is carried a grand tourer style and designed specifically for the American market without compromising any quality of the 5300 GT Strada.
From what it looks, the one-off built prototype exhibits many hallmarks of Bizzarrini 5300 road cars as well as Iso Rivolta and Grifo models. This is not surprising because this car is based on the Strada, but with a more modern (though no less interesting) body. Unfortunately, its designer goes unmentioned, but something about it suggests Frua may have been involved.
Bizzarrini GT America 2+2 features such modified lightweight aluminum bodywork to accommodate the rear seats. (Picture from: StuartParrClassics) |
So the prototype features such modified lightweight aluminum bodywork to accommodate the rear seats.
In true 2+2 fashion, the rear seats seem as if they’d be pretty cramped
and are probably best treated as occasional-use for smaller adults,
children, or simply as an extended parcel shelf.
Bizzarrini GT America 2+2's interior flourished with brown genuine leather and carpet of the same colors. (Picture from: BringATrailer) |
While
to support its legs, the car with a wheelbase of 2,450 mm is equipped
with independent front suspensions, de Dion rear axles, and also
four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Furthermore, the car is powered by an 5,354 cc Chevrolet Corvette V8 engine as utilized in most Bizzarrini made cars, coupled with a single four-barrel carburetor, Borg Warner four-speed manual gearbox chanelled a power of 355 hp to drive its rear wheels, and providing a claimed top speed that approached of 180 mph.
Bizzarrini GT America 2+2 made its first public appearance at the Turin Auto Show 1968, never entered the company's production lines after that. (Picture from: StuartParrClassics) |
After being completed, this car made its first public appearance at the Turin Auto Show 1968. As quoted of Stuart Parr Classics, the unique one-off prototype has had just two owners, one being Giotto Bizzarrini himself.
We're sorry, the video above about the Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada is not the Bizzarrini's GT America 2+2 prototype under discussion. Unfortunately the car has never entered the company's production lines, and seems the automaker content with just making it ended as its show car that the boss occasionally uses for sightseeing.😄 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BIZZARRINI | STUARTPARRCLASSICS | BRINGATRAILER | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | MYCARREQUEST ]
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