Bizzarrini Logo

Brand Overview

Bizzarrini originated in Italy as a manufacturer of high-performance sports cars and prototypes. The brand was officially founded in 1964 by Giotto Bizzarrini, who had previously served as Chief Engineer at Ferrari. Production was based at headquarters in Livorno, Italy, with the company operating under several legal names before becoming Bizzarrini S.p.A.

The founder established Società Autostar in 1962 as an engineering firm shortly after leaving Ferrari. This led to the 1964 creation of Prototipi Bizzarrini s.r.l., which marked the birth of the Bizzarrini brand. By 1966 the company had been renamed Bizzarrini S.p.A.

Founder Background and Early Career

Giotto Bizzarrini, born on 6 June 1926 in Quercianella, Livorno Province, earned an engineering degree from the University of Pisa in 1953. His thesis focused on a modified Fiat Topolino. He began his professional career at Alfa Romeo in the 1950s, working on Giulietta chassis development, serving in the Experimental Department, and acting as a test driver.

In 1957 Bizzarrini joined Ferrari, where he rose to the position of Chief Engineer. There he contributed to the 250 series and designed the 1962 250 GTO. A pivotal moment came during the 1961 Palace Revolt when he left Ferrari along with the famous five engineers following a disagreement with Enzo Ferrari.

Key Milestones and Brand Timeline

After departing Ferrari, Bizzarrini founded Società Autostar in 1962 as a freelance engineering operation. He collaborated with Count Giovanni Volpi on the Ferrari Breadvan project and designed a V12 engine for Lamborghini that remained in use from 1964 until 2010. He also developed the Iso Rivolta IR 300 and Iso Grifo for Renzo Rivolta.

The year 1964 proved decisive for brand formation. Following a dispute with Iso Rivolta between 1964 and 1966, Bizzarrini began producing sports cars under his own marque. The company name changed from Prototipi Bizzarrini s.r.l. to Bizzarrini S.p.A. in 1966. Signature models including the 5300 GT Strada and P538 were produced between 1964 and 1969.

Financial difficulties brought an end to production in the late 1960s, with the original company ceasing operations in 1969. The brand legacy has since been maintained and the name was revived in 2020 by Pegasus Automotive Group, a Kuwait-based automotive dealership group that acquired the rights to the Bizzarrini marque and resumed low-volume production.

Bizzarrini Logo Evolution

1964 – 1969: Burgundy Bird Logo

The Bizzarrini logo was introduced in 1964 at the same time the company transitioned to independent manufacturer status. This single historical logo remained in use throughout the brand’s original production period until 1969. It visually represented the freedom and independence the founder sought after years working for larger manufacturers including Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, and Iso.

• Design: Circular badge format with a stylized bird as the central symbol
• Colors: Burgundy background with light blue for the bird element
• Changes: Created specifically for the brand founding with no earlier variants documented
• Context: Introduced simultaneously with the 1964 name change to Prototipi Bizzarrini s.r.l., coinciding with the start of production of iconic models

All major Bizzarrini models were produced under this single documented 1960s burgundy bird logo. The circular emblem with its spread-wing bird captured the spirit of the high-performance sports cars developed during this era. The Bizzarrini symbol directly reflected the moment of corporate independence following the 1961 departure from Ferrari.

The Bizzarrini car logo design has become an important reference for enthusiasts studying Italian automotive history. Its clean circular form and distinctive bird element create a memorable Bizzarrini emblem that continues to represent the original 1960s models.

This period of Bizzarrini logo history remains the primary visual identity associated with the brand’s classic era. The original emblem’s focus on the light blue bird with triangular wings against the burgundy field provides a strong foundation for understanding the company’s independent identity. Many continue to seek Bizzarrini logo images and historical references to appreciate this concise yet powerful design from Italy’s golden age of performance car development.