Cool Wall: 1966 Bizzarrini P538/P538S

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1966 Bizzarrini P538/P538S


  • Total voters
    23
  • Poll closed .
1,100
United States
United States
Poll 1489: 1966 Bizzarrini P538/P538S nominated by @Neddo
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Racing Class: Le Mans 1966 racer
Engine: 3.5-4.0l Lamborghini V12, 5.4l Chevrolet small-block V8
Power: 355-420 HP
Torque: 240-400 lb-ft
Weight: 700 kg
Transmission: ZF 5-speed manual
Drivetrain: RMR
Additional Information: ''Beginning in the mid-1970s and continuing at least through the 1990s, "continuation" cars were built. Amongst those building the cars, was former Bizzarrini engineer Salvatore Diomante at Autocostruzione SD, Torino. He began building "continuation" P538s on commission for private buyers. These may be distinguished from 1960s-built cars by the use of square as opposed to round tubing. Giotto Bizzarrini and his wife Rosanna assisted in the construction of some of the early "continuation" cars, and they were built using some original Sixties Bizzarrini components from the parts inventory. The first two cars of this "continuation" series using square-tube construction bear serial numbers #P538*400*001 and #P538*400*002; the first with a Lamborghini Islero V12 engine and the second with Lamborghini V12 engine with number #0127. Luciano Bertolero ordered these two cars. Diomante and others constructed an unknown number of these "continuation" cars, Diomante using original fiberglass body molds. At least 25 "continuation" cars are known today.''
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The shape of the grilles makes me think this looks like a Nissan R390 made 30 years earlier. Don't worry folks, I'll vote SZ on this one right along with you.
 
Bizarre Bizzarrini? Funny name aside, good grief- she's gorgeous! This car is almost as if it were the offspring of a Ferrari and a Jaguar XJ13. One of the loveliest cars to catch my eye (and my heart). I hesitate no further- Sub-Zero. Who knew being bizarre can be beautiful? Beautifully bizzare Bizzarrini.
 
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How come this car never quite makes it into racing games? This would fit right in alongside the other high roller 20M+ cars in Gran Turismo. It’s a beautiful and underappreciated car in Le Mans’ history.

Also a prototype race car with a Lamborghini V12 is badass. I love it when their designs and tech trickled into motorsports before the company fully committed to it.
 
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