by Mike –
The first time I saw a photo of a Bizzarrini was around 2004 and it was really an Iso Rivolta A3/C race car (the predecessor to the Bizzarrini GT 5300). I was smitten and started a search for one of my own.
The first time I saw one in person was at Concorso Italiano in 2006 when the beautiful green example owned by Gerd Eckstein and driven by Michael Eckstein won best in show.
It took more than four years but I was finally able to find and own the right Bizzarrini GT 5300 Strada. It was not an Iso A3/C race car but a Bizzarrini Strada – street car which was just fine with me.
The first time I saw my Bizzarrini GT 5300 it was sitting on the street in downtown Monterey waiting to go across the auction block in August 2008.
The first time I drove the Bizzarrini was a heart pounding experience – an event for sure.
I have loved, admired and driven this rolling piece of art for the past six years and now I let it go to someone else who I trust will cherish it as I, and previous caretakers, have.
The new owner wishes to remain anonymous. Bizzarrini No. 0256 will stay on the US West Coast and I do hope it will be driven, seen and admired often by many people.
While the price paid is confidential I believe it to be a record price for a Bizzarrini GT 5300 Strada – yet I also believe the buyer has made a wise acquisition that he will never regret.
I, on the other hand, do have second thoughts. I expect that I will own a Series 1 Iso Grifo soon to help ease the pain.
Mike, I am shocked! I ‘m sure the new owner realizes that he owns what is probably the best documented ownership history of a Bizzarrini in the USA, and possibly the world . I saw your photo of 256 at Pocono. I had been to quite a few Concours and Car shows with Ken Phillips back in the day when he owned 256. I know the car well. I hope the new owner gets it out and shows it. I guess a Series one Grfo would help ease the pain!! Don
The car will be well cared for. I have alot of fun spending other people’s money. I managed to convince one of my idiot friends that he really really needed Mike’s car. Then I managed to convince Mike it was going to a good home. He won’t be seeing it at the next auction. It is going to the pacific Northwest into what is known as “The Brothers Collection”. To get a idea of some of their cars you can look on Amazon for a Randy Leffingwell-Darwin Holstrom book called “Top Muscle”. At least at some point it will go up there. When I unloaded it at my house in Norcal my wife commented it was one of the best looking cars I had ever brought home. I heard possession is 9/10’s of the law and it does have current Ca. registration so why let it go to waste? It will be parked next to Series 2 Iso Grifo that is on youtube titled “guess the Grifo”. Thanks Mike it is a beautiful car.
looks like Bruce Milners former car
From the very first time I laid eyes on this car on your website, and then was personally introduced to her at Club Auto Sport, I have been in love with this car and labeled it my new favorite European Sports Car. I am crushed that you have sold it, but I understand. The perfect scenario would be that he car remain in the United States for eternity, gracing Concours and other car events across the country, putting smiles on enthusiast faces young and old. You are truly blessed to have spent time with such a wondrous machine, and the new owner better take good care of it or I’m hunting him down! LOL! Hugs.
Thank you Cindy – I do believe that Bizzarrini No. 0256 is in very good hands or I would not have sold it.
I asked “are you going to race it?” and the answer was “no” so the deal moved forward. After all this is a Strada not a Corsa so I do not want it on a track.
Good for you Mike!