1967 Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada Alloy Coupe

1967 Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada Alloy is a rare alloy-bodied example originally owned by Carey Loftin. Loftin was a long-running Hollywood actor and stuntman who gained fame for his work as the stunt coordinator for the car chase sequences in Steve McQueen's hit movie, Bullitt. The car had a very small role in the movie's opening credits. A short time later, it was in another cameo in the 1968 Walt Disney classic Herbie the Love Bug, another of Loftin's films. Loftin retained the car until 1982, when he sold it to the next long-term owner, David Frack, of Glendora, California. In 1989, the car was sold to Oliver Kuttner and during the 1990s, it passed through three private East coast collectors prior to its acquisition by Mr. Barone in 2002.

In 2003, the car was properly restored and the engine was rebuilt. A set of later-style fender vents were installed in the alloy bodywork. In 2007, it was sold to a new owner who achieved a second-place overall award at the Los Angeles Concours d'Elegance. In 2008, the Bizzarrini entered the Copperstate 1,000, where it was the poster car for the event.

It is powered by a Chevrolet Corvette V8 engine displacing 327 cubic inches and producing an estimated 400 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual transmission and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. The car was originally finished in red with a black interior.

In 2009, this 5300 GT Strada Alloy was offered for sale at the Sports & Classics of Monterey auction in Monterey, California, presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $450,000-$550,000. The lot was sold for the sum of $415,000, including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2009