The Sexiest Supercar You've Never Heard Of

This 1968 Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada Alloy, which hits the block next month at RM's Monaco auction, ticks just about every box you could want in an exotic supercar, and if you weren't around to drool over it in the 1960s, the chances are you've never even heard of it.

Originally built to win its class at Le Mans, which it did in 1964 and '65, the car was designed by a team of superstar designers and engineers after a revolt at Ferrari. The body's adapted from a design by the incomparable Giorgetto Guigiaro, and is so slick — it's only 43 inches high — that when they first tested it, the driver had to back off the throttle so he wouldn't blow the engine.

The chassis was overseen by the company's namesake owner, who previously built icons like the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa and 250 GTO. The body's all aluminum, and is actually riveted to the frame for added rigidity.

The aerodynamic efficiency enables the 365 hp Corvette motor to propel the car to well past 160 mph, but note how far back the engine is. The 5300 GT Strada is technically mid-engined, which results in handling that was miles ahead of its 1960s competition.

In most supercars derived from thoroughbred race cars, the interior is somewhat of an afterthought, but not here. The wood on the dash is as gorgeous as any Bentley or Jaguar, and everything that's not wood is wrapped in leather. It has the gauges and switches of a GT40, and the luxury of an Aston Martin.

Um... Yes.


Aaron Miller is the Rides editor for Supercompressor. He wants to know if you think this is nicer than a Miura. Let him know on Twitter.