For over 60 years, a design concept by Giorgetto Giugiaro has remained unrealized, showcasing an open-top interpretation of one of the most beautiful cars ever built: the Bizzarrini 5300 GT. Giotto Bizzarrini and Giorgetto Giugiaro—two of the automotive world’s most influential figures—shared a vision for an innovative open-top grand tourer. Rather than a conventional folding roof, their concept featured a removable roof panel paired with an elegant structural arch that was lighter, cleaner and more visually striking.
That vision remained confined to the archives for more than six decades. Now, it has finally been realized as the Bizzarrini 5300 Aperta Lusso. The first all-new production Bizzarrini since the 1960s, the Nuova Classica blends period styling with contemporary engineering, luxury and technology. Just ten examples are planned for the initial production run, each hand-built to its owner’s individual specification and conceived for grand touring rather than competition.
Origins
Born in Livorno in 1926, Giotto Bizzarrini left Ferrari during the famous “palace revolt” of 1961 alongside several of Maranello’s leading engineers. Establishing his own company, he built cars defined by advanced aerodynamics, bold engineering and unmistakable style. His 5300 GT Corsa secured a class victory at Le Mans in 1965. An open-top version had always formed part of Bizzarrini’s broader vision. In 1962, Giorgetto Giugiaro, then working at Bertone, created a prototype featuring the distinctive structural arch that would later become the Aperta Lusso’s defining design element.
With Bizzarrini focused on motorsport, however, the concept never progressed beyond the drawing board. The designs remained in the archives following the company’s closure in 1969, although elements of the idea would later influence other manufacturers. Now, as the marque enters a new chapter, those original drawings have provided the basis for the company’s first modern production model. The Aperta Lusso serves as a bridge between Bizzarrini’s heritage and its future, ahead of the forthcoming Giotto Hyper GT.
Technology and Luxury in Equal Measure
Inside, the Aperta Lusso combines traditional Italian craftsmanship with carefully integrated modern technology. Premium materials have been selected for both their quality and authenticity, including fabrics developed in collaboration with Zegna to preserve the period atmosphere while introducing contemporary luxury.
The first commission, La Dolce Vita, features hand-trimmed leather seats, leather and Zegna fabric door panels, and an instrument panel carved from a single piece of wood. The Italian tortoiseshell gear knob, inlaid with gold to form the Bizzarrini logo, pays tribute to the favorite sunglasses of the car’s Italian owner. Modern conveniences are subtly integrated throughout the cabin, including air conditioning, premium frameless windows with contemporary weather sealing, an adjustable steering column, MagSafe charging and an upgraded audio system. The result is a cockpit that retains the appearance of a 1960s classic while offering the comfort and convenience of a modern GT.
Almost every component has been re-engineered, yet visually the Aperta Lusso could easily be mistaken for a car that has just left Giotto Bizzarrini’s factory six decades ago. The emphasis remains firmly on driver engagement, combining modern performance and comfort without unnecessary electronic interference. The suspension follows Giotto Bizzarrini’s original Le Mans-proven specification, employing double wishbones at each corner with specially developed Koni Red adjustable dampers. Cast magnesium Campagnolo centre-lock wheels wear Pirelli tyres measuring 205/50 at the front and 255/60 at the rear, selected to deliver authentic handling characteristics with improved grip and traction.
Braking comes courtesy of ventilated discs at all four corners, including inboard rear discs in keeping with the original race-inspired layout. Four-piston Alcon front calipers and two-piston Brembo rear calipers operate without servo assistance, maintaining the original car’s direct pedal feel. Rack-and-pinion steering replaces the original steering box, incorporating electro-hydraulic power assistance mounted directly to the rack to preserve feedback.
Body Structure
The Aperta Lusso is built around a single-piece carbon-fiber composite body.
Powertrain
Power comes from a front-mid-mounted 5.3-litre V8. Mounted entirely behind the front axle for optimum weight distribution, it produces well over 400bhp and drives the rear wheels through a Tremec TKX five-speed manual gearbox and limited-slip differential.
Production
Production of the Aperta Lusso will initially be limited to ten examples, each individually commissioned and built to its owner’s exact specification. Additional commissioning opportunities are expected to follow, with further customer deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027.
Above contents © 2026 Bizzarrini, reviewed and edited by Rex McAfee , @rexmcafee 🏁
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