The Civetta Bolide is a rear mid-engine sports car that emerged in the early 1980s as a bold entry into the high-performance automotive market. Known for its striking wedge-shaped design, pop-up headlights, and flat sides, the Bolide quickly gained a reputation for blending cutting-edge technology with radical styling. The name "Bolide," derived from the Italian word for "race car," "meteor," or "fireball," perfectly encapsulates its high-performance ethos and dynamic presence.

The Bolide lineup is diverse, ranging from accessible entry-level models to high-performance race cars, each catering to different segments of the automotive market. Its production spanned the 1980s, a decade marked by rapid advancements in automotive design and engineering, making the Bolide a symbol of its era.

Models Overview

350 Series

The 350 was the first model introduced in the Bolide lineup, debuting in 1981. It was designed as an accessible yet capable sports car, powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5L V8 engine producing 263 hp and 320 Nm of torque. With a top speed of 261.6 km/h and a weight of 1345 kg, the 350 offered a balanced combination of performance and drivability.

Variants:

• 350 Targa: A version with a detachable roof panel for open-air driving, slightly lighter at 1335 kg and with a marginally higher top speed of 263.6 km/h.
• 350 Targa - USDM: The US market version of the Targa, weighing 1340 kg.
• 350 - USDM: The US market version, featuring government-mandated 5 mph-rated bumpers and additional lighting, weighing 1350 kg.
• 350 Polizia: A police variant used by the Italian police force, maintaining the same performance as the standard 350.

The 350 series was aimed at drivers seeking a reliable and affordable sports car, with a focus on comfort and usability rather than outright performance.

390 GT Series

Also introduced in 1981, the 390 GT was positioned as a more performance-oriented model within the Bolide lineup. It featured a larger 3.9L V8 engine producing 327 hp and 340 Nm of torque, with a top speed of 274.9 km/h. The 390 GT was designed for enthusiasts who wanted a more engaging driving experience, with widened arches to accommodate fatter tires and upgraded suspension.

Variants:

• 390 GT Strada: A homologation special for Group 4 rally, producing 357 hp and weighing 1320 kg. It had a lower top speed of 251.6 km/h due to its rally-focused setup.
• 390 GT Targa: A version with a targa roof, weighing 1355 kg.
• 390 GT Targa - USDM: The US market version of the Targa, weighing 1360 kg.
• 390 GT - USDM: The US market version, featuring government-mandated 5 mph-rated bumpers and additional lighting, weighing 1370 kg.

The 390 GT series catered to drivers seeking a more spirited driving experience, bridging the gap between the entry-level 350 and the high-performance 320 GTT.

320 GTT Series

Introduced in 1984, the 320 GTT represented a significant leap forward for the Bolide lineup. It was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.2L V8 engine producing 401 hp and 500 Nm of torque, with a top speed of 302.1 km/h. The 320 GTT was not just an engine upgrade; it featured a completely redesigned body with a more aggressive aerodynamic profile, including a revised front fascia, wider fenders, and a larger rear spoiler.

Variants:

• 320 GTT Corse Targa: A version with a targa roof, weighing 1280 kg.
• 320 GTT Corse Targa - USDM: The US market version of the Targa, weighing 1310 kg.
• 320 GTT Corse - USDM: The US market version, featuring government-mandated 5 mph-rated bumpers and additional lighting, weighing 1320 kg.

The 320 GTT series was designed for enthusiasts seeking extreme performance and radical styling, making it a formidable street-legal machine.

Racing Variants

The Bolide lineup included several racing-focused variants, each designed for specific motorsport disciplines. These models showcased Civetta’s commitment to performance and competition.

350 Club Racer

The 350 Club Racer was a modified version of the standard 350, designed for amateur-level racing. It featured an upgraded engine producing 271 hp, weight reduction to 1250 kg, and improved suspension. With a top speed of 268.0 km/h, the Club Racer was ideal for track days and entry-level racing events.

390 GT Group 4 Rally Variants

The 390 GT Group 4 variants were purpose-built rally cars, designed for both asphalt and gravel stages. Despite the "390" name, these models used a 3.2L V8 engine producing 307 hp, optimized for rally conditions.

The Asphalt variant was set up for tarmac stages, while the Gravel variant featured modifications for off-road performance. Both models were lightweight, with the Gravel variant weighing just 1225 kg.

390 GT Strada

The 390 GT Strada was a homologation special for Group 4 rally, featuring a 3.9L V8 engine producing 357 hp. It served as the road-legal version of the rally cars, ensuring compliance with motorsport regulations. With a weight of 1320 kg and a top speed of 251.6 km/h, the Strada was a rare and collectible model.

320 GTR Group 5

The 320 GTR Group 5 was the ultimate racing variant of the Bolide lineup, designed for circuit racing. It featured a twin-turbocharged 3.2L V8 engine producing 650 hp and 680 Nm of torque, with a top speed of 359.4 km/h. Weighing just 1095 kg, the 320 GTR was a lightweight, high-power race car that rewarded skilled drivers with exceptional performance.

General Information

Design and Engineering

The Bolide’s design was heavily influenced by the wedge-shaped styling of 1980s supercars, with pop-up headlights and flat sides. The 320 GTT featured a more aggressive bodykit, while the 390 GT had widened arches for improved handling.

The car’s mid-engine layout provided excellent weight distribution and cornering stability. However, its lack of modern stability systems made it challenging to drive at the limit, especially for inexperienced drivers.

Motorsport Heritage

The Bolide’s racing variants reflected Civetta’s commitment to motorsport. The 390 GT Group 4 models were inspired by real-world rally cars, while the 320 GTR Group 5 was a track-focused machine designed for circuit racing.

Trivia

• The Notte variant, meaning "night" in Italian, featured a black-on-black paint scheme and race suspension.
• The 350 Polizia was a police variant used by the Italian police force, maintaining the same performance as the standard 350.
• The Bolide was one of the first cars to embrace the turbocharging revolution of the 1980s, setting a precedent for high-performance sports cars.

Conclusion

The Civetta Bolide is a versatile and iconic vehicle that captured the spirit of the 1980s. From the accessible 350 to the high-performance 320 GTR Group 5, the Bolide showcased Civetta’s commitment to performance, innovation, and motorsport excellence.

Its diverse lineup and radical design made it a standout in the automotive world, beloved by enthusiasts and collectors alike. Whether on the street or the track, the Bolide delivered an unforgettable driving experience, cementing its place in automotive history.