Rare Rides: The Bizzarrini BZ 2001, From 1991

Bizzarrini — a name which conjures images of, well, probably nothing for most people. In the Sixties, Bizzarrini was a short-lived auto manufacturer, but after the company’s demise, the name popped up once more in the early Nineties.

Let’s find out a little more about this one-of-one BZ 2001.

First, the brand. Established in 1964, Bizzarrini was founded by engineer Giotto Bizzarrini, who’d previously worked at Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, and Iso. Headquartered in Livorno, Italy, the company produced three notable models circa 1966: the 5300 Strada, the 1900 GT Europa, and the P538 S. Some were road cars for discerning customers, others were race cars that took part in events like the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Le Mans.

All of the company’s cars were very low-volume. The Strada numbered 133 examples, which made it entirely commonplace compared to the other two’s single- or double-digit production. Perhaps it’s not surprising that by 1969, the company was no more. After the brand went bust, Mr. Bizzarrini continued work on some existing ideas in the Seventies. He notably completed a few examples of a new model called the AMX/3, and a few more of the P538 S.

Cut forward a few years or 20, and in 1990 investor Barry Watkins phoned up Bizzarrini and asked if he’d be interested in designing a new supercar. Bizzarrini agreed, World SuperCars, Inc. was formed, and the project was officially underway. With an eye continually toward lightness, Bizzarrini designed a body composed entirely of carbon fiber. The sleek new design was sponsored by several different parts manufacturers who assisted in its engineering. Underneath, the BZ 2001 used the Ferrari Testarossa’s V12 engine and various other components.

Introduced circa 1993 at various auto shows, World SuperCars planned to sell each BZ 2001 for $250,000 ($450,925 adjusted). The ad’s rambling copy (linked below) attributes the BZ 2001’s failure to fading interest from the Indonesian conglomerate which eventually bought Lamborghini. Other factors might include the extreme pricing, or perhaps a failed test drive by Autoweek where the hood flew off. In any event, the BZ 2001 never progressed past a singular prototype.

Said prototype is for sale presently in Belgium at a price which is available upon request.

[Images: seller]