Lamborghini

1967 Lamborghini 400 GT

August 8, 2015 No Comments

The 1967 Lamborghini 400 GT 2 + 2, first presented at the 1966 Geneva Auto Show, was built from 1966 through 1968. Lamborghini wanted to keep the same elegant proportions of the 350 GT while adding an additional two seats in the rear of the car. Designers lowered the floor pan and raised the height 2.6 inches to fit them in. The final result was a length of 184.5 in, width of 68.0 in, and height of 50.6 in.

Space was saved with a reversal of the rear control arms and a new shape for the rear window. To comply with upgraded US safety regulations, paired headlights were installed instead of sculpted units. Another difference from the 350 is the extra front wiper. Only a few of the 242 manufactured 400 GTs were right wheel drives.

With the exception of the trunk and hood, the body changed from aluminum to steel. The heavier steel increased durability and reduced costs of production. Springs and shocks were redesigned to handle the heavier vehicle. Carrozzeria Touring designed the bodywork, coordinating with engineer Giampaolo Dallara.

A 60° V12 engine with an aluminum alloy block was placed at the front in a longitudinal position. The powerful motor had a specific torque of 374.2 nm/ 276 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm. Displacement measured 3929cc, bore 82.0mm, stroke 62.0 mm, and compression 10.5:1.

The ZF transmission was exchanged for a Lamborghini-designed five-speed transmission with Porsche syncro rings on all five gears to reduce noise. A Lamborghini unit also replaced the Salisbury rear differential. The 350’s 6 Twin-Throat 40 DCOE Weber carburetors continued for the fuel feed.

Worm and Roller steering made the rear wheel drive vehicle easier to handle. Front and rear suspension included double wishbones with coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers. Girling disc front and rear brakes with Vacuum Assist stopped the 3199 lb exceptional 1967 400 GT Lamborghini.

1967 Lamborghini 400 GT Photos:

Cars, Exotic Cars, Lamborghini

1968 Lamborghini Miura P400 by Bertone

September 26, 2014 No Comments

When you envision sports cars there are a few names that readily come to mind. Among the top of the list is the Lamborghini. One such model that was a good speedster and performance jackpot is the 1968 Lamborghini Miura P400 by Bertone. This model featured a 3.9 V12 engine. The engine was mid-mounted and had a 82 / 62 bore and stroke. The displacement of the engine was a cool 3929 cc.

The compression ratio for performance was at 9.5:1, and 350HP and 7,000 rpm. For its day, this beauty offered a sheer pristine ride and was a rival to be counted on against competitors. With a fuel feed of four Weber downdraught carburetors and two overhead cams per cylinder bank it is hard to imagine a more perfect combination.

The Miura P400 sported a 5-speed manual and rear wheel drive. Both front and rear suspension had lower and upper wishbones with coil springs and a stabilizing bar. The rack and pinion steering combined with hydraulic operation Girling disc brakes caps off the wonder of this amazing machinery.

The 2-door coupe is common among high performance vehicles, and this particular model with coachwork by Bertone left for little to be desired. From build to output, this baby took nothing for granted. It was known as the flagship of the Lamborghini line, and is a well respected vehicle of its time.

From the mid-engine transverse layout was very different from Lamborghini cars of previous years. The V12 engine also was unique in that it merged with the differential and transmission. This allowed for little space to be found in the well designed final product. Auto enthusiasts were impressed by the showing when it was first displayed, and collectors today still appreciate the value and quality of a spectacular sports car.

1968 Lamborghini Miura P400 by Bertone Photos:

Cars, Classic Cars, Lamborghini

1969 Lamborghini Islero S Coupe

October 6, 2012 No Comments

In 1966, the Lamborghini Islero made its debut at the 1968 Geneva Auto Show. As one vehicle in a storied line of “2+2” grand tourers, the Islero represented the ideals of Ferruccio Lamborghini who himself initially dedicated the Italian sports car manufacturer to producing reliable, powerful and exquisitely styled grand touring cars. In that respect, the 1969 Lamborghini Islero S Coupe definitely lived up to those ideals.

In 1969, the Lamborghini introduced an improved variant of the Islero known as the Islero S. The new S model featured plenty of external and internal differences from its previous incarnation. On the outside, stylists gave the car’s fenders a bit more flaring and added brightwork blind slots along the front fenders. The hood scoop was enlarged to provide better fresh air flow to the cabin area. Other small changes included a change from teardrop-shaped side-marker lights to round ones, tinted windows and the addition of a fixed section in the door windows.

The same 4.0-liter twelve-cylinder engine remained, but not without a few improvements. The burly V12 borrowed a hotter cam and an increased compression ratio from the Muria S. The end result was an engine that now had up to 350 horsepower on tap. With a five-speed manual transmission, drivers could reach 60 mph in approximately 6.2 seconds, a stunning feat at those times.

Underneath, the S model received larger brake discs for improved braking and an improved rear suspension. To accommodate wider Campagnolo wheels, the track was increased by a small amount. Power steering and air conditioning made their way to many Islero S models. Inside the 1969 Lamborghini Islero S Coupe, the new dashboard eschewed a bit of impractical fashion for functionality with flat surfaces and the addition of a glove box and rocker switchgear. At least the leather interior was left untouched.

Today, the Lamborghini Islero S Coupe remains a relatively rare grand tourer, as only 100 examples were built. Aficionados of the timeless 2+2 grand tourer consider this bold yet quietly striking vehicle one of the truest to Ferruccio Lamborghini’s own heart.

1969 Lamborghini Islero S Coupe Photo Gallery