Bandini 750 GT Zagato

The genesis of the Bandini 750 GT Zagato dates back to the mid-1950s when Ilario Bandini harbored the vision of introducing a compact yet powerful GT coupé to the automotive world. A pivotal document, dated 11/01/1955, meticulously outlines the technical blueprint of the ‘Bandini Granturismo Veloce 750cc’. With chassis number 1001B crafted from elliptical tubes of premium steel, weighing a mere 27kg, and powered by the twin-cam ‘Bandini-Crosley’ engine (bearing the same serial number), furnished with two Weber carburetors, and capable of producing 67bhp at 7000rpm, the Bandini 750 GT Zagato promised an exhilarating driving experience. The certificate further specifies the installation of Borrani wheels adorned with 135/80 tires, contributing to its agile performance, while indicating an unladen weight of 670kg. An anecdote shared by Dino Bandini illuminates the journey undertaken by his uncle, who personally transported the chassis from Forli to Milan, perched atop a makeshift box, en route to the workshops of Ugo Zagato and his sons, Elio and Gianni. This remarkable journey spanning nearly 300km, though unconventional, underscores the fervent dedication towards realizing the vision. At the hands of Zagato, the Bandini 750 GT received a meticulously crafted, slender, and elegant body, inspired by the design ethos observed in the Moretti 750 of 1954, further refined and immortalized by the distinctive ‘double bubble’ roof characteristic of Zagato’s creations. Noteworthy is the windscreen inscription ‘Securit 3-11-1955’, hinting at the completion of the bodywork towards the end of the year. Its timeless allure captured the spotlight at the prestigious Concorso di Eleganza in Rimini in 1957, securing its status as a timeless automotive masterpiece. However, the journey of the 750 GT transcended geographical boundaries as it embarked on a transatlantic voyage in 1959, joining the esteemed Racemasters team in the United States. Under the banner of ‘Racemasters USA, Scuderia Bandini’ and clad in a pristine white hue, the Bandini 750 GT graced renowned circuits including Daytona, Watkins Glen, and Sebring, piloted by racing luminaries Victor Lukens and Fred Haynes. Its tenure in the States marked a chapter of triumph and glory, solidifying its legendary status in the annals of motorsport history.