Bizzarrini P538 prototype

Posted Mon May 19 2008 5:12 PM by Nelson Ireson

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.

Gallery: Bizzarrini P538 Barchetta Prototype

Reader Comments

Mon May 19 2008 5:57 PM
Minizlle says

stunning car, but too bad its a prototype and no one will ever be able to buy one....what a shame
Mon May 19 2008 6:25 PM
Layne says

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.
Mon May 19 2008 6:55 PM
Yago Bal says

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.
Mon May 19 2008 7:04 PM
Ayax says

thats hot
Mon May 19 2008 8:56 PM
MyWheelsOnWalls.com says

Once again, why are the Italians the only ones doing cool design?
Mon May 19 2008 8:58 PM
ohmy says

porsche GT anyone?
Mon May 19 2008 10:01 PM
MyWheelsOnWalls.com says

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.
Tue May 20 2008 4:51 AM
Mike says

Wasn't original Bizzarini powerd by 4.0 L Lamborghini V12 engine producing 450 hp (335 kW) at 10,000 rpm?
Wed May 21 2008 1:12 PM
burke says

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

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