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Bizzarrini1966 Bizzarrini P538 Dimensions, Size & Specs| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1966 |
The Bizzarrini P538, produced in 1966, is a striking example of Italian sports car ingenuity and racing heritage. This rare coupe was designed primarily for competition, reflecting the minimalist philosophy of its creator, Giotto Bizzarrini, who was known for combining performance, lightweight construction, and distinctive styling. The P538 is recognized for its compact and low-slung body that gives it a sleek presence on the road and the race track alike. Although specific dimensions for the P538 vary slightly depending on the source, it is generally characterized by a length of approximately 4.2 meters (around 165 inches), a width near 1.9 meters (about 75 inches), and a low height that emphasizes aerodynamic efficiency. The car's lightweight construction, including extensive use of fiberglass for the body panels, contributed to its agility and handling. The P538's design includes a closed coupe body style, which was less common among its contemporaries that often prioritized open-top racer configurations. Under the hood, various powerful V8 engines were typically fitted, sourced from manufacturers like Chevrolet, helping it achieve competitive performance during its era. The Bizzarrini P538 remains a cherished classic due to its blend of rarity, innovative engineering, and the pure racing spirit it embodies. Enthusiasts today admire the P538 not just for its visual appeal but for its significant role in mid-1960s sports car development, making it an icon in historic car size comparisons and vintage sports car collections worldwide.
Discover the standout features that make the 1966 Bizzarrini P538 a leader in its class
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The Bizzarrini P538 Coupe, produced in 1966, has a length of approximately 4100 mm (161.4 inches), a width of about 1870 mm (73.6 inches), and a height near 960 mm (37.8 inches). These dimensions highlight the car's compact and low-slung sports car design, which prioritizes aerodynamics and performance. The relatively wide stance compared to its length contributes to its stability during high-speed maneuvers, while the very low profile emphasizes its racing-inspired aesthetics and functional form.
The 1966 Bizzarrini P538 Coupe weighs in at approximately 780 kg (1,720 lbs). This lightweight construction is a testament to its race-oriented engineering philosophy, utilizing lightweight materials and a minimalist approach to bodywork and interior fittings. The low weight enhances acceleration, braking, and handling characteristics, making it highly responsive on the track or road, distinctive for a sports prototype of its era.
The Bizzarrini P538 measures about 1870 mm (73.6 inches) in width, offering a broad stance relative to its length and height. This wide track provides improved lateral stability and grip, especially during cornering at high speeds. The width, combined with a low center of gravity due to the car's low height, contributes significantly to its agility and balance, characteristics prized in racing and performance driving.
Standing at only approximately 960 mm (37.8 inches) tall, the Bizzarrini P538 Coupe features a remarkably low roofline, crafted to minimize aerodynamic drag. This very low height reduces the frontal area exposed to air resistance, enhancing top speed and fuel efficiency during races. The sleek roofline also assists in maintaining stability at high velocities by reducing lift, thereby anchoring the vehicle firmly to the road or track surface.
The Bizzarrini P538, with its approximate dimensions of 4100 mm length, 1870 mm width, and 960 mm height, is likely to fit into a standard modern residential garage. Most garages accommodate vehicles up to about 5200 mm (17 feet) in length and 2500 mm (8.2 feet) in width, so the P538’s compact size easily meets these spatial requirements. Its low height is also unrestrictive. However, the owner should ensure sufficient clearance around the vehicle for ingress and egress, given its wide and low profile.
The Bizzarrini P538 represents a unique and advanced prototype relative to the earlier Bizzarrini models, like the 5300 GT. Compared to the 5300 GT, the P538 is notably shorter and much lower in height, emphasizing a racing formula with reduced drag and lighter weight. While the 5300 GT sports a more traditional coupe shape with greater length and height, the P538’s compact and aerodynamic proportions showcase its focus on competitive racing performance rather than grand touring comfort or size.
Compared to similar 1960s race coupes such as the Ferrari 250 LM and the Ford GT40, the Bizzarrini P538 is smaller and lighter. While the Ferrari 250 LM is longer at around 4400 mm (173 inches) and wider, and the Ford GT40 is also longer and heavier, the P538's shorter length (about 4100 mm), modest width, and exceptionally low height emphasize agility and aerodynamic efficiency. This compactness made the P538 particularly competitive in handling and cornering despite having less engine displacement than some rivals.
The Bizzarrini P538 is equipped with a mid-engine layout, placing the powerplant just behind the driver, which helps optimize weight distribution and balance. Typically fitted with V8 engines, including Chevrolet small-block units, the car delivers competitive horsepower suitable for endurance racing. The mid-engine arrangement, combined with lightweight chassis construction, provides agile handling and responsive acceleration, making the P538 a well-regarded prototype racer of its time.
The Bizzarrini P538 features a tubular steel space-frame chassis paired with lightweight bodywork often made from fiberglass. This combination significantly reduces weight compared to conventional steel-bodied cars of the era. The design prioritizes minimalism, with limited interior comforts and racing-oriented features, ensuring maximum performance. This lightweight approach contributes to the car’s excellent power-to-weight ratio, agility, and responsiveness on the track.
While the Bizzarrini P538 is compact and low-profile—making it manageable in tight spaces—its race-focused design prioritizes performance over comfort and convenience. The extremely low height and tight interior space can make daily driving less comfortable, with limited visibility and ingress/egress challenges. Additionally, amenities typical in road cars are minimal or absent. Therefore, while it can technically be driven on the street, the P538 is best suited for track use or exhibition rather than everyday practicality.
