FAB WHEELS DIGEST (F.W.D.): 1968 Bizzarrini Manta Concept by ItalDesign

Built from Bizzarrini parts, the Manta was one of Giorgetto Giugiaro's first independent designs as an independent consultant. He used it to promote and launch ItalDesign at the 1968 Turin Motor Show.

The Manta is remarkable as it was built up from an ex-Le Mans racer and it is one of the first cars the world to use a triple seat arrangement. Inside the cockpit is an odd layout that seats the driver in the middle of the interior with a passenger on either side. The idea was copied from the Pininfarina designed Ferrari 365 P Speciale of 1966 and it was later, more popularly revived with the mighty McLaren F1. The design features a continuous line from nose to roof and again from roof to tail. It has a radical 15-degree rake to the windscreen and a large surface area of glass that stretches beyond the B-pillar, allowing view of the intake trumpets. Giugiaro inserted two groups of five transverse louvers, a painted in a dramatic contrast in color. In the back was a split bumper that folded over onto the tail. At the bottom, in-between the front and rear wheels, are brushed aluminum rocker panels, with its industrial 'drilled' motif.

The car is powered by a 5359cc overhead valve Chevrolet V8 engine with four Weber 45 DCOE carburetors. It produces an estimated 400 hp at 5400 rpm. There is a 5-speed ZF manual gearbox and 4-wheel servo-assisted disc brakes with an inboard configuration at the rear.

In October of 1982, Ulf Larsson of Switzerland acquired it for his collection. In 1988, the Manta was shipped to Italy to take part in Italdesign's 20th anniversary celebration and repainted silver in honor of the special occasion. In 1998, the Manta returned to Italy for Ital Design's 30th anniversary and a special display at the Turin Motor Show. A few years later, Texas collector Alfredo Brener purchased the car and commissioned a complete restoration to bring it back to its original 1968 Turin Motor Show configuration. (supercars.net & conceptcarz.com)

In October of 1982, Ulf Larsson of Switzerland acquired it for his collection. In 1988, the Manta was shipped to Italy to take part in Ital Design's 20th anniversary celebration and repainted silver in honor of the special occasion.