Giotto Bizzarrini is dead, he created the Ferrari 250 Gto- Corriere.it

died at the age of 96 in Rosignano, near his Livorno, Giotto Bizzarrini, one of the most brilliant car designers of the last century. his name linked above all to Ferrari where he had joined in 1957, coming from Alfa Romeo, to become responsible for experiences and tests, he was outspoken and as soon as he arrived he had no problems criticizing the previous designers. Follows the 250 Testa Rossa but above all he was at the head of the mythical project 250 Gto, the Mona Lisa of vintage cars, which was conceived to run the World Championship for Makes to replace the 250 Gt Swb. That car won everything on the track, Bizzarrini had taken care of the aerodynamics in every detail, preparing it in the wind tunnel.

However, the Tuscan engineer (who graduated from Pisa) did not have time to celebrate or see her born. Indeed, in 1961 the tensions in Maranello had led to an internal revolution, decided by Enzo Ferrari which ended with the exodus of protagonists of the palace conspiracy and with the passage of the GTO project into the hands of Mauro Forghieri. Among these were Carlo Chiti and Bizzarrini himself. Together with the count John Volpi give life to the Ats (Automobili Turismo Sport) with the aim of beating Ferrari. It doesn’t happen, and indeed Chiti and Bizzarrini break off a historical friendship, and Giotto sets up on his own offering consultancy and cultivating the dream of building a supercar with his name, which he later did.

From Maranello to Sant’Agata Bolognese: behind the twelve-cylinder engine that characterizes the Lamborghinis there is Bizzarrini, called by Ferruccio to give a heart to the 350 Gtv. An engine considered a masterpiece of power (350 horsepower) that allowed the Casa del Toro to get close to Ferrari. In the sixties Bizzarrini launched his creation, the 5300 Gt. An elegant and powerful car, the style was taken care of by Bertone, the engine was from Chevrolet, with 400 horsepower.
Just over 130 were produced, that was his only experience as a builder. Then he dedicated himself to external consultancy, always providing fresh ideas and suggestions. Giotto, a genius of other times.