Bitter - CD Diplomat 5400 V8 by Frua - 1976

A rare Bitter CD Diplomat, Italian desirable flair combined with Teutonic thoroughness. Erich Bitter started his career as a Tour de France cyclist, became a race-car driver in the 1960s, and then became an Abarth importer for Germany. In the early 1970s, he started his of car brand, in collaboration with the Italian bodywork designer Frua and the German company Bauer. This resulted in the breathtaking Bitter CD. A car that was right away liked by everyone, when it was presented at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt in 1973. The model was inspired by the Maserati Ghibli, the Ferrari Daytona, the Lamborghini Espada and the Tomaso Mangusta. At that time, the premium GT was twice as expensive as a Porsche 911 and as expensive as a Rolls Royce. A car for the happy few, in other words. The car was owned by singer Heino and by a number of Bayern München players, among others. Due to the oil crisis of the 1970s, only 395 of them were built between 1973 and 1979. Extremely exclusive, in other words. The specimen offered here is an original matching car and has chassis number 211. It is the green metallic version with the optional beige leather interior. Engine-wise, it is a great car, with its powerful Corvette 327 CI V8 by General Motors and the Rochester Quadrajet carburettor linked to a reliable GM automatic transmission. The double exhaust system is made of stainless steel. The horsepower is released through an independent Dion rear axle and reigned in again by means of the 4 fanned brake discs. This car has only had 2 previous owners, according to the Dutch Ministry of Transport Industries. After 47 years, the Bitter is still in original condition. It is not an overrestored specimen, but clearly a very well-kept car that is used regularly. Of course, it has some signs of wear here and there, after all those years. The engine, the transmission and the differential are all in excellent condition. The two-tone leather is still original from since it was delivered. The Bitter also has a beautiful Italian sports steering wheel and has 15" spoked rims. Definitely a beautiful and well-cared-for car. Mechanically, everything has been recently checked, and this reliable classic has just had a 2-year MOT, valid until 21 February 2025. We would appreciate it if you could come and view it and take it for a test drive. For foreign buyers, we provide the correct export document free of charge, so you can quickly have the car registered in the country of your choice. We are also glad to help you find professional transport for this almost unfindable beauty. The car can be viewed in Heerhugowaard, the Netherlands.