Bizzarrini Strada
The Bizzarrini Strada (also 5300 GT Strada[1] and 5300 GT), was a sports car produced by Bizzarrini from 1964 to 1968.[2] Sold as an exceptionally low slung 2-seat coupe, roadster, and track-tuned "Corsa" racer,[2] it proved to be Bizzarrini's most successful model.
| Bizzarrini Strada | |
|---|---|
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Bizzarrini |
| Also called |
|
| Production | 1964–1968 133 built |
| Assembly | Italy: Livorno |
| Designer | Giotto Bizzarrini |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports car (S) |
| Body style | 2–door coupé |
| Layout | Front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Related | Iso Grifo |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 5.4 L (5,358 cc) Chevrolet 327 V8 |
| Transmission | 4–speed BorgWarner T-10 manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 4,460 mm (175.6 in) |
| Width | 1,760 mm (69.3 in) |
| Height | 1,120 mm (44.1 in) |
| Kerb weight | 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) |
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History
Designed by ex-Ferrari chief engineer Giotto Bizzarrini in 1963, the Strada was launched by his company in 1964. It was similar in concept to the Iso Grifo, also designed by Bizzarrini, and even used the Grifo name while in the planning stage, as well as the welded unibody platform of the Iso Rivolta 300.[2]
The Strada – which adopted a Front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout – was powered by a 327 Chevrolet small-block engine displacing 5.4 L (5,358 cc) and rated at 365 hp (272 kW) to 385 N⋅m (284 lb⋅ft) of torque in the road legal version and 400 hp (298 kW) in the Corsa.[2] The car could accelerate 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 7 seconds, and attained a top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph). In later models, the 5,358 cc engine was replaced by a larger 7,000 cc unit, fitted with a Holley carburetor.[1]
Dunlop four-wheel disc brakes, a BorgWarner T-10 four-speed manual transmission,[2] de Dion tube rear suspension, and limited slip differential were also used. The Giorgetto Giugiaro influenced Bertone styled aluminum body, was striking in its day and still regarded in the 21st century as "gorgeous"[2] and an "absolute masterpiece".[1] Three spyder versions were also built, including a prototype which was a full convertible and two production versions which featured removable T-tops.[3]
In 1965, a Bizzarrini Grifo won its class at Le Mans and finished ninth overall.
A total of 133 examples were produced from 1964 through 1968.[1]
References
- Berruti, Valerio; Magistà, Aurelio, eds. (2009). L'Automobile. Marche e modelli dalle origini ad oggi (in Italian). 2. La Biblioteca di Repubblica-L'Espresso. pp. 27–28.
- Road & Track, August 19, 2013
- "All Three Bizzarrini Spyders Including The Prototype To Reunite This Summer". www.hemmings.com. Retrieved 22 April 2020.
External links
Media related to Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada at Wikimedia Commons
- (in Italian) Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada, auto-classiche.it