Classic Car Overview
-Black with Beige leather, 4.0-litre V12 engine producing 320 bhp, 5-speed manual, 80,000 Kilometers - 49,000 Miles from new, Three longer term owners from new, Matching numbers chassis and engine, An early production first series Islero of a total 225 manufactured, Delivered new to Portugal, Documented by Lamborghini historian Olivier Nameche. Launched at the Geneva Salon in 1968, the Islero was a development of the 400 GT 2+2. The Islero was derived from Ferruccio Lamborghinis first production car, the 1964 Touring-styled 350 GT. The 350 GT was the work of three of Italys most illustrious automobile engineers, featuring a glorious 3 5-litre, four-cam V12 designed by Giotto Bizzarrini, which was housed in a tubular chassis developed by Gian Paolo Dallara and Paolo Stanzani. The 350 GTs four camshafts and all-independent suspension meant that it upstaged the best that Ferrari offered at the time. After a slow start production soon picked up, with 131 350 GTs being completed before the arrival of the 400 GT and 247 of the latter before it was superseded by the Islero. The Isleros square-tube chassis was based on that of its predecessors, though with wider track to accommodate fatter rubber, while its elegantly understated coachwork was styled by ex-Touring personnel led by Mario Marazzi. The model was named after the legendary bull that had killed Spains best matador, Manolete. Housed beneath an impressively low-slung bonnet, Lamborghinis 4. 0-litre V12 engine was carried over from the 400 GT and produced 320bhp. Only 125 Isleros were produced, prior to the introduction of the Islero S. Car magazines tested the Islero in 1969. The Islero achieved a true 252 kph - 159 mph proving to be quiet and stable at speed. It was quick from a standing start as well with a 0-100 kph/0-62 mph time of 5.9 seconds, outstanding figures even today. Delivered new to the Lamborghini importer Vecar, Lisbon, Portugal on 28th November 1968 in its original color of Argento-Silver (one of only five produced in this color) with Black leather interior. Supplied to its first registered owner, the Islero remainder with its first owner through November 2007! At the time it had 78,000 original kilometers on the odometer and remained in Portugal. Restored, reportedly by its second owner, this Islero has been in its second ownership from 2007 through 2013 when it changed hands once again. The Islero enjoyed its third and most recent ownership within an important private Belgian collection from 2013 until September 2024 when purchased by Autosport Designs, Inc. Currently with 80,300 genuine kms from new, this Islero has been imported to the United States. An enormous amount of time and money has been spent to bring this Islero to its current exceptional standard Cosmetically, Structurally and Mechanically. With impeccable pedigree and one only 125 Isleros manufactured prior to the introduction of the Islero S, the Islero is on our opinion must be the the most overlooked of Lamborghinis early front-engined models produced. A wonderfully opportunity to owned a V-12 Lamborghini with seating for four for not a lot of money in todays vintage car market and with the potential to appreciate.
