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Bizzarrini P538 prototype

Bizzarrini P538 prototype

Nelson Ireson May 19th, 2008 Nelson Ireson By Nelson Ireson Author May 19th, 2008
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December 31st, 1969 A legendary name in sports car circles, Giotto Bizzarrini's work, both for his own brand and for others, has contributed to some of the sexiest, fastest and most desirable designs of all time. Now a new take on a Bizzarrini classic, the 1966 P538S, is due to be unveiled next month, with a small-volume production run to follow. Bizzarrini worked for Ferrari for five years, and while there, in 1962, he designed and engineered the gorgeous - and startlingly fast - Ferrari 250 GTO. For Ferrucio Lamborghini, Bizzarrini designed the 4.0L V12 that would eventually power the unforgettable Miura. And for his own brand, he designed and built the P538S, which was powered by a 5.3L Corvette engine. With mid-rear engine placement and an exceptionally low design, the car was expected to be a strong performer at Le Mans. While it entered the 1966 race, it was out after just half an hour and failed to start in 1967. Only a handful were ever built. Though it may have had a lackluster racing career, its design is no less inspiring for that fact. This most recent interpretation, the P538 Barchetta, is a very attractive and characteristically unique design. While it looks thoroughly modern, it also shares as strong resemblance with its eponymous ancestor from the 1960s. Like the earlier car, it will be powered by a Corvette engine, though this time around it will be a 7.0L LS7 at the core, according to Autoweek.nl, with 505hp on tap to scoot the estimated 1,000-1,200kg car along with authority.Bizzarrini P538 Barchetta Prototype
Bizzarrini P538 prototype

Bizzarrini P538 prototype

Enlarge Photo

A legendary name in sports car circles, Giotto Bizzarrini's work, both for his own brand and for others, has contributed to some of the sexiest, fastest and most desirable designs of all time. Now a new take on a Bizzarrini classic, the 1966 P538S, is due to be unveiled next month, with a small-volume production run to follow.

Bizzarrini worked for Ferrari for five years, and while there, in 1962, he designed and engineered the gorgeous - and startlingly fast - Ferrari 250 GTO. For Ferrucio Lamborghini, Bizzarrini designed the 4.0L V12 that would eventually power the unforgettable Miura. And for his own brand, he designed and built the P538S, which was powered by a 5.3L Corvette engine.

With mid-rear engine placement and an exceptionally low design, the car was expected to be a strong performer at Le Mans. While it entered the 1966 race, it was out after just half an hour and failed to start in 1967. Only a handful were ever built. Though it may have had a lackluster racing career, its design is no less inspiring for that fact.

This most recent interpretation, the P538 Barchetta, is a very attractive and characteristically unique design. While it looks thoroughly modern, it also shares as strong resemblance with its eponymous ancestor from the 1960s.

Like the earlier car, it will be powered by a Corvette engine, though this time around it will be a 7.0L LS7 at the core, according to Autoweek.nl, with 505hp on tap to scoot the estimated 1,000-1,200kg car along with authority.
Bizzarrini P538 Barchetta Prototype
Gallery
  • bizzarrini p538 1
  • bizzarrini p538 2
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  • bizzarrini p538 4

Tags: Supercars, Design

Posted in: News, Concept Cars


Comments (9 total)

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  1. By Minizlle #1, Posted: 5/19/2008

    stunning car, but too bad its a prototype and no one will ever be able to buy one....what a shame

  2. By Layne #2, Posted: 5/19/2008

    That is just so absolutely, fantastically beautiful...I can't even put it into words.

    Minizlle, it says in the article there will be a small production run, so you can buy one if you're rich and extremely lucky.

  3. By Yago Bal #3, Posted: 5/19/2008

    it copies some detailing and proportions, but has a very different sense.
    The way I see it, it's design is too noisy to be a Bizzarrini.

  4. By Ayax #4, Posted: 5/19/2008

    thats hot

  5. By MyWheelsOnWalls.com #5, Posted: 5/19/2008

    Once again, why are the Italians the only ones doing cool design?

  6. By ohmy #6, Posted: 5/19/2008

    porsche GT anyone?

  7. By MyWheelsOnWalls.com #7, Posted: 5/19/2008

    Absolutely Porsche GT only better looking. Although I would argue the Porsche sounds better, you've heard one pushrod V8 and you've heard them all.

  8. By Mike #8, Posted: 5/20/2008

    Wasn't original Bizzarini powerd by 4.0 L Lamborghini V12 engine producing 450 hp (335 kW) at 10,000 rpm?

  9. By burke #9, Posted: 5/21/2008

    The rear part is Porsche Carrera GT and the front is Lotus...

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