1967 Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2

Whilst the true motivation behind the establishment of Automobili Ferruccio Lamborghini S.p.A. will continue to be debated, it is clear that the Sant'Agata company certainly manifested its founder's vision of the ultimate GT car. Having recruited some of the era's best engineers, including Giotto Bizzarrini and Gian Paolo Dallara, progress moved swiftly on from the prototype 350GTV, which débuted at Turin in late November 1963.

Series production commenced with the two-seat 350GT, followed by the 4.0-litre, interim two-seat 400GT. The 400GT 2+2 was introduced at the 1966 Geneva Salon and combined the performance of its 320 bhp, 4.0-litre, V-12 engine and new smoother and quieter Lamborghini-produced five-speed gearbox with larger passenger accommodation. Just 247 examples of the 400GT 2+2 were constructed between 1966 and 1968. Specifications included: 320 bhp (DIN), a 3,929 cc V-12 engine with dual overhead camshafts per cylinder bank, six Weber twin choke carburettors, five-speed manual gearbox, four-wheel independent suspension with double wishbones, coil springs and anti-roll bars front and rear, and four-wheel, vacuum-assisted Girling hydraulic disc brakes.

This particular Grigio Medio (medium-grey) example, chassis 0649, is the 40th 400GT 2+2 built, originally delivered to Spain. The car has benefited from a thorough restoration. The paint is good and shows no signs of significant ageing. The interior is fabulous, and the typically stylish fittings all present superbly. Whilst the car is an older restoration, it continues to present fantastically and sits on iconic Borrani wheels, giving it a sporty and aggressive look. Closer inspection of the car confirms that even the smaller details of period correctness were properly tended to. For example, the badges, the engine compartment detailing and even the correct, quilted insulation on the inner wings are all factory correct. In addition, recent works have included new shock absorbers, steering arms, brakes, alternator and oil cooler pipes.

Having produced a mere 247 examples, chassis number 0649 represents a tantalising alternative to some of Carrozzeria Touring's other designs of the period, such as the Aston Martin DB4, Alfa Romeo 1900 Super Sprint and Maserati 3500 GT. A classic Italian GT car in every sense, with equal measures of drivability, luxury, performance and style, this left hand drive 400GT 2+2 represents a tangible piece of Lamborghini history.