In the mid-sixties, Automobili Lamborghini had already begun to build a third-generation version of its front-engined GT model. Originally it was the 350GT, followed by the 400GT with a larger V12 engine. For a more comfortable ride, the 400GT 2+2 was also introduced, which features two small seats in the rear. By 1967, the Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2 was already a fairly successful model, offering plenty of power in a luxurious configuration and manufactured by the Milanese company Touring at an extremely high level of craftsmanship.
However, Carrozzeria Touring faced serious financial problems and eventually filed for bankruptcy in 1967. The bodies of the last 400GT 2+2 were actually built by the Marazzi company. So, Ferruccio Lamborghini decided to let Carrozzeria Marazzi continue to build the successor to the 400GT 2+2.
Carrozzeria Marazzi was founded by a former employee of the Touring company, so they had the knowledge needed to build future Lamborghini models. The Lamborghini Islero 400GT was unveiled at the 1968 Geneva Motor Show, alongside the all-new Espada. The original 350/400GT design has been completely changed, with the rounded styling gone in favor of concealed headlights and a boxy silhouette.
The design of this new model was done by Mario Marazzi and Frederico Formenti. Compared to the 400GT 2+2, the Islero has a wider track and can be fitted with wider tyres, usually at the factory in Santa Agata with Pirelli Cinturato 205VR15 tyres. The chassis and rear suspension of the Islero were inherited from the 350/400GT models.
The Islero looks clean and unaggressive on the outside, but it lacks the unmistakable personality of the 400 GT 2+2. Compared to the Miura and Espada, Islero is more ordinary. At the front of the Islero, a large air intake sits under the slender chrome bumper, while a split bumper is used at the rear. The Islero was powered by the famous V12 engine, which initially produced 320 hp and was later increased to 340 hp, which allowed it to reach a top speed of 270 km/h in 1968.
Compared to the 400 GT 2+2, the Islero's air conditioning is standard and also offers more interior space. The design of the instrument panel has also undergone a major update, with a multi-dial design with the dial mounted on a wooden background, surrounded by a large amount of leather, and equipped with a steering wheel with wood trim.
The interior seats of the Islero are upholstered in leather, and the steering wheel and windows are equipped with an electric assist system, which also makes it a luxury coupe. And this is exactly the type that Ferruccio Lamborghini preferred, and he also drove an Islero himself. His personal car was the 1968 car No. 6201, a particular Islero that was restored and sold at auction in 2013 for $247,500.
The Islero model marks the beginning of a tradition for Lamborghini, which takes its name from a famous bullfighting bull. The bull, named "Islero", killed the famous bullfighter Manuel Rodriquez in August 1947. Since 1968, almost every Lamborghini sports car that leaves the Sant'Agata factory has been named after a bullfight.
The Lamborghini Islero, just like its successor, the Jarama, is a relatively lesser-known Lamborghini model. Only 125 units of this car were produced, which is a great shame because the Islero has a very high top speed and is very easy to drive. The Islero model was produced for only one year before being replaced in 1969 by an improved "S" version. However, the "S" version was also produced for only a year before being replaced by the Jarama model.
兰博基尼Islero 400 GT
Production time: 1968-1969
Production quantity: 125
Engine: 3.9-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine (aluminum, front, rear-wheel-drive)
Drivetrain: Lamborghini 5-speed manual
Wheelbase: 2550mm
Length: 4525mm
Width: 1730mm
Height: 1270mm
Maximum power: 320 hp
Maximum torque: 375 Nm
Weight: 1240 kg
Acceleration 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds
Maximum speed: approx. 265 km/h
Price: $18,000