• One of most beautiful sports cars of the 1960s
• A highly desirable “riveted” example with alloy body panels
• Fully restored during 2012 and 2013 by an Italian marque expert

Giotto Bizzarrini is now regarded as an engineering genius, largely thanks to his involvement with Ferrari during a pivotal period, but nowhere were his talents more aptly demonstrated than his work on the A3/C. His abrupt departure from Ferrari matched his disruptive approach to engineering, and he enacted his revenge through projects such as the 250 GT SWB ‘Breadvan’, designing Lamborghini’s V-12 engine, and teaming up with Commendatore Rivolta’s Iso.

Bizzarrini’s partnership with Iso led to—with the help of Pierluigi Raggi—the creation of the A3/C, which utilised a shortened Rivolta chassis constructed using pressed steel sections welded together, along with a tubular body frame. The drivetrain included a powerful 5.3-litre Corvette engine, mounted as far back as possible for optimum weight distribution, delivering power through a T-10 four-speed gearbox. The suspension was equally advanced being fully independent at the front and with a De Dion tube at the rear. The most forward-thinking area of the A3/C, though, was the stunning body, created by Bizzarrini in partnership with Piero Drogo. The evolution of Bizzarrini’s aerodynamic understanding is obvious when the A3/C is compared with his earlier work, and at its competition debut rendered many of its front-engined competitors almost obsolete. Its crowning glory at the racetrack would be a class win at the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans.

This A3/C was delivered in March 1965 in the stunning colour of Grigio Argento Metallizzato as one of 18 desirable “riveted” cars with an all-aluminium body. Apparently, an accident early in its life resulted in its return to the factory, where it re-emerged in Bizzarrini 5300 specification. It returned to Germany and was later exported to the USA. During an inspection in 2003 its identity as an early Iso became apparent, and in 2012 it was sent to marque specialist Salvatore Diomante to be fully restored to A3/C specification.

Today this A3/C is not just remarkable for its extraordinary colour, but its rarity in being one of just 22 “riveted” cars. This A3/C would make a fine car for top concours events or merely cruising across the continent, or a potential front runner in the Greatest Trophy series by Peter Auto.

Please note RM Sotheby's will assist the successful buyer with the registration of this vehicle within the EU and the title will follow post-sale.

Veuillez noter que RM Sotheby's assistera l'acheteur pour l'enregistrement de ce véhicule au sein de l'UE et la carte grise suivra après la vente.

To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/pa23.