Last updated on November 26, 2025
Today’s car is a 1967 Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada Spyder (303) owned by Matt, which I photographed at the Killer Rides 2025 Car Show held at the Killer Shrimp Restaurant in Marina del Rey, CA.
Founded in 1964 by Giotto Bizzarrini, the brilliant engineer behind the Ferrari 250 GTO and Lamborghini’s first V12, Bizzarrini was a short-lived but legendary Italian marque. Its signature model, the 5300 GT Strada (or internally named A3/C as there are different variants) , styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro and powered by a Chevrolet 327 V8, started it’s life as an Iso Grifo A3/C and blended Italian design with American muscle, capable of 170 mph and rivaling Ferrari at its peak. Alongside it came the lightweight Corsa racers, the smaller 1900 GT Europa, and the radical P538 prototype, yet fewer than 170 cars were ever produced before the company closed in 1969. Today, a Bizzarrini is as rare as a Cisitalia 202 or a one-off coachbuilt special—a car that instantly draws a crowd and evokes the golden era of Italian racing and design.
The story of this Spyder’s creation is somewhat mysterious. After surviving two crashes, the car was discovered in Germany in the late 1980s by its previous owner. Its German title listed it as an open car, significant, since German documentation is famously precise, suggesting it was already a Spyder by that time. The new owner acquired the car along with spare parts and entrusted it to Roberto Negri, who ultimately completed the restoration.
Negri, owner of Il Bottegone—an Iso restoration shop—became the sole proprietor of Iso Rivolta’s inventory when the company went bankrupt in 1974. This cache included original spare parts, chassis, car bodies, and factory drawings. Since Iso and Bizzarrini shared more than 90% of their mechanical components, Negri’s involvement was essential. To validate the restoration, Bizzarrini authority Maurice Mentens traveled to Italy to inspect the car on behalf of the previous owner. Once largely complete, the car was shipped to California, where Mentens oversaw its finishing and repainting. Mentens, who operates MemoryLaneCars.com specializing in concours-quality restorations, pre-purchase inspections, and appraisals, ensured the car met the highest standards. After the previous owner passed away in 2016, the car sat unused until Matt acquired it two years ago.
This alloy-bodied example is finished in a warm metallic silver with a beautiful red leather interior. It is powered by a Corvette engine producing 365 hp, with 327 cu in, OHV V8, with a Holley 4bbl carburetor. Transferring that power to the rear wheels through a Borg Warren T-10 4-speed manual transmission to a Limited Slip differential with 3.31:1 gears. The engine was intentionally placed as far back over the front axle as possible, to improve weight distribution and handling. The front suspension is independent A-arms with coil springs over tube shock absorbers, and an anti-roll bar. In the rear there is a de Dion tube rear suspension system with trailing arms, coils springs, tube shocks and an anti-roll bar. Helping slow this beauty down are Dunlop discs brakes in all 4 corners.
These rare two-seat grand touring sports and race cars were built between 1964 and 1968, with only approximately 147 examples of the A3/C produced and fewer than 170 Bizzarrini’s built in total. Originally priced at $10,500, the Strada offered supercar performance for its era, boasting a published top speed of 170 mph and a 0–60 mph in just 6.3 seconds.
The Bizzarrini is more than just a car—it’s a rare glimpse into the rebellious genius of Giotto Bizzarrini, where racing passion and design brilliance still echo nearly six decades later. The perfect machine for a Concours d’Elegance, an Italian/European car show, your local Cars & Coffee, or even a vintage race weekend with like-minded enthusiasts.
Thank you for riding along.
Frank
