Rare is an understatement when it comes to this special automobile shown here, this is the one-off 1974 (2005) Bizzarrini P708 Barchetta Prototype (P7080001), a special project that was built as a modern revival of the Bizzarrini P538, a rear-engined race car from the 1960’s that was created by Italian automotive manufacturer, Scuderia Bizzarrini of Livorno, Italy. This unique project was supported by Italian automobile engineer, and founder of Società Autostar (later Bizzarrini), Giotto Bizzarrini, American racecar manufacturer, Galmer engineering, and German car designer, Stefan Schulze. The carbon fiber bodywork on this obscure prototype vehicle was developed by Magnate (Siam Intermagnate Co., Ltd.) of Thailand, and development took place between 2005 and 2009. The P708 Barchetta Prototype was first shown to a public crowd during the Bangkok International Motor Expo after it’s completion, equipped with a Chevrolet 7.0L LS7 V8 engine, which is paired with a CIMA 6-speed manual transmission. The overall styling of the P708 Barchetta Prototype is the perfect combination of both classic, and modern design elements, and the interior of the car is fitted with desirable materials such as Alcantara, leather and carbon fiber. The cost of developing this modern Bizzarrini P538 interpretation is said to have been around $3,500,000, and includes instrument dials supplied by Auto Meter Products Inc., an air conditioning system provided by San Antonio, Texas-based company Vintage Air, a steering wheel supplied by Italian-based company, Isotta, a shifter from design company, MOMO Srl, Forgeline alloy wheels and much, much more. The car was originally finished in a red paint color, and is shown here in white, following a repaint sometime between 2018 and 2021, and while the prototype was completed in the mid-2000’s, the car is officially titled as a 1974 Bizzarrini P708 Barchetta.
How many made? 1
Engine: Chevrolet 7.0L LS7 V8 - 505hp
Debut: Bangkok International Motor Expo
Top speed: n/a
0-60mph: n/a
Photo credit: @kirin_cars
Research: @rarecarsonly