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Chassis:
One of a handful of competition specification Bizzarrini 5300 GTs, this chassis was part of the 1966 works Le Mans effort along with a mid-engined P538. Based on the America platform, the competition car boasted a very thin fibreglass body and all-round independent suspension. Before its appearance at Le Mans, chassis BA4 0106 had already had its first outing earlier in the year at the Monza 1000 km. The car had shown potential in qualifying but failed to make it to the start due to a lack of rain tyres. Its competition debut was further postponed after the 5300 GT Corsa was involved in a traffic accident on the way to the start of the Targa Florio.
The car was driven at Le Mans by Sam Posey and Massimo Natili and actually proved faster than the P538. The Italian-American pairing was sadly disqualified after three hours for a pit-line infringement. For 1967, the only right-hand drive Bizzarrini competition car was fitted with a big-block engine. However, at its one appearance during the Le Mans test weekend, the lack of preparation showed and the car was even thrown out by the scrutineers. Chassis BA4 0106 was retained by Bizzarrini until his assets were liquidated. The buyer hid the car from sight for over thirty years and it did not reappear until the early 2000s. In rather derelict condition, it required a full restoration, which it duly received.
In 2008, it was acquired by Dutch historic racer David Hart, who appropriately brought the car back to Le Mans to race in the Le Mans Classic. Following a brief spell in Germany, it was then sold to a British enthusiast through London dealer Fiskens. It has continued to be raced in historic events, making further appearances at Le Mans and also at Goodwood in the prestigious RAC TT Celebration race.
Chassis details |
Manufactured in |
1966 |
First owner |
Bizzarrini |
Appearances |
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