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Bizzarini
P538
1966
| Engine Type |
V-12 |
Assembled in |
Livorno, Italy |
| Bore & Stroke |
82 x 62 millimeters |
Number Built |
|
| Displacement |
3,927 Cubic centimeters |
Transmission |
5 speed manual |
| Valves |
Dual Overhead Cams |
Fuel Economy |
|
| Horsepower |
420 @ 5,500 rpm |
Maximum speed |
170 miles per hour |
| Weight |
2,620 lbs. |
Cost new |
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Only three Bizzarinis with this 'spider' body were made and the car you
see here is the only one powered by a Lamborghini V-12. The other two
cars were powered by Chevrolet Corvette 5.3-liter V8 engine that led to
the model designation "P538."
Another means of proving that this Bizzarini is the first of its kind, is
that on this car the frame has two uses. Not only does the frame hold the
car together, but it also is used to transfer water from the radiator under
the hood in front, to the engine in the rear. Eventually, hardtop coupes
were built but the total production number is unknown.
The body is a combination of aluminum and fiberglass that helps to make the
car light and strong. Six 2-barrel Weber carburetors feed the 420 horsepower,
4.0-liter engine, which can propel this car to a top speed of 170 miles per
hour. While the motor is similar to the one used on the later Lamborghini
Miura, there are a few differences. In this model, the engine is mounted
longitudinally, as opposed to being placed transversely as in the
Lamborghini "Miura."
As the story goes, Bizzarini wanted to build racecars and Lamborghini refused
him the opportunity, so this car was designed and engineered entirely by
Bizzarini. After parting ways with Lamborghini, Bizzarini went on to build
cars that epitomized Italian styling with thoroughbred performance.
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On loan from Rudolf de Moyer
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