The name Bizzarrini may not be as familiar as Ferrari or Lamborghini, but it belongs to one of the most influential figures in the history of Italian sports cars. Giotto Bizzarrini, who passed away in May 2023 at the age of 961, was the man behind some of the most iconic and desirable machines ever created, such as the Ferrari 250 GTO, the Lamborghini Miura, and the Iso Grifo. He also founded his own company, Bizzarrini, in 1964, and produced a handful of models that showcased his engineering genius and passion for performance.
Now, more than half a century later, a new car bearing his name and inspired by his vision has been unveiled: the Bizzarrini Giotto. This is not a mere revival or a replica, but a modern interpretation of what Bizzarrini would have created if he had continued to design and build cars in the 21st century. The Giotto is a purist choice, authentic and incredibly rare.
The Giotto is the result of a collaboration between Bizzarrini’s son, Fabrizio, who inherited his father’s company and archives, and GTO Engineering, a British firm specialized in restoring and servicing classic Ferraris. The project started in 2019, when Fabrizio approached Mark Lyon, the founder and managing director of GTO Engineering, with the idea of creating a tribute to his father’s legacy. Lyon, who had met Giotto several times and admired his work, agreed to take on the challenge.
The Giotto is based on the Squalo, a car that GTO Engineering had already developed as a homage to the Ferrari 250 SWB. The Squalo is a lightweight sports car that combines a tubular steel chassis with an aluminum body and a quad-cam V12 engine. The Giotto takes this concept to another level, by incorporating elements from Bizzarrini’s designs and adding some modern touches.
The exterior of the Giotto is unmistakably influenced by the Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada, one of the most famous models from Bizzarrini’s original company. The long hood, the low roofline, the muscular fenders, and the Kamm tail are all reminiscent of the 5300 GT, but with sharper edges and more aerodynamic features. The front grille, for instance, has been enlarged and integrated with LED headlights and air intakes. The rear end features a large diffuser and four exhaust pipes. The car also has gullwing doors, a nod to another Bizzarrini creation: the Iso Rivolta Grifo A3/C.
Bizzarrini disclosed that its 6.6-liter V12 engine is naturally aspirated. The power source for the block was co- (or primarily) created by Cosworth. Although Bizzarrini has not yet disclosed the engine’s characteristics, we assume that it is a high-revving engine with well over 700 horsepower. After all, the slightly smaller Cosworth V12 in the Aston Martin Valkyrie shows that Cosworth is capable of building such an engine.
The performance figures of the Giotto have not been officially announced yet, but they are expected to be impressive. We expect the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than four seconds and reach a top speed of over 300 km/h (186 mph). The car also promises to deliver an exhilarating driving experience, with a direct steering, a responsive throttle, and a balanced handling.
The Bizzarrini Giotto is more than just a car. It is a tribute to a legend, a celebration of his achievements, and a continuation of his legacy. It is a car that honors the past, but also looks to the future. It is a car that combines the best of both worlds: the beauty and emotion of a classic Italian sports car, and the technology and performance of a modern supercar. It is a car that Giotto Bizzarrini would have been proud of.
