Bizzarrini Strada


The Bizzarrini Strada, was a sports car produced by Bizzarrini from 1964 to 1968. Sold as an exceptionally low slung 2-seat coupe, roadster, and track-tuned "Corsa" racer, it proved to be Bizzarrini's most successful model.

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.
The Strada – which adopted a Front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout – was powered by a 327 Chevrolet small-block engine displacing and rated at to of torque in the road legal version and in the Corsa. The car could accelerate 0–100 km/h in less than 7 seconds, and attained a top speed of. In later models, the 5,358 cc engine was replaced by a larger 7,000 cc unit, fitted with a Holley carburetor.
Dunlop four-wheel disc brakes, a BorgWarner T-10 four-speed manual transmission, 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" and an "absolute masterpiece". Three spyder versions were also built, including a prototype which was a full convertible and two production versions which featured removable T-tops.
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.