Video: The Bizzarrini 5300 GT is the rebel's masterpiece

09th December 2025

Russell Campbell

Few cars capture the spirit of rebellious Italian engineering quite like the Bizzarrini 5300 GT. Built by Giotto Bizzarrini — Ferrari's former chief engineer, who was sacked when he demanded Enzo's wife, Laura, stop meddling in the day-to-day running of the company — the 5300 GT embodies a unique blend of Italian design and American muscle.

Shaped by Bizzarrini's uncompromising pursuit of performance, the car was engineered for racing, and every design choice reflected that intent. Its sleek alloy body, sculpted by Carrozzeria Bertone under the direction of Giorgetto Giugiaro, sat impossibly low — not much more than a metre tall — giving the car an aggressive, almost predatory stance. Long, flowing lines and a sharply cut tail helped it slice through the air at high speed. At the same time the chassis, derived from an Iso Grifo's underpinnings, provided rigidity and remarkably balanced handling.

But the real magic was under the bonnet. Instead of a high-strung Italian V12, Bizzarrini opted for a lightweight, reliable and potent Chevrolet 327 small-block V8. Mounted far back in the chassis so far that the distributor lived practically under the dashboard, the engine gave the 5300 GT near-perfect weight distribution. Power outputs varied, but road cars typically delivered enough to push the GT beyond 170mph at a time when very few production cars could achieve 100mph. The race-spec variants, including the famed Corsa, were even wilder, competing at events like the Le Mans 24 Hours.

83rd Members’ Meeting race list

What made the 5300 GT truly special was the harmony between its elements. It married American brute force with Italian passion, pairing exotic styling with a level of usability most European exotics couldn't match. Yet production remained extremely limited, partly due to financial struggles that plagued Bizzarrini's company, making surviving examples exceptionally rare. Fewer than half the original 133 cars built are thought to exist now.

All of which makes the fact this Bizzarrini 5300 GT competed in the Graham Hill Trophy at the 81^st Members’ Meeting presented by Audrain Motorsport all the more special. In this video we talk to the owner, James Thorpe, about what it is like to own and race this legendary motor car.

The 83^rd Members' Meeting presented by Audrain Motorsport takes place on the 18^th & 19^th April 2026. Tickets are on sale now for GRRC Members and Fellows

You can sign up for the Fellowship now. Click here to find out more.