Fantasy Junction

Description

1967 Lamborghini 400GT 2+2
s/n 01174 engine no. 0728
Silver with Tan Leather Interior

When Ferruccio Lamborghini set out to build his own sports car he was motivated in part by his disgruntlement with Enzo Ferrari. As fate would have it, finances and timing were on Lamborghini’s side beginning his new venture. Money would come from Lamborghini’s lucrative tractor business, while talent like Giotto Bizzarrini and others would come after a dispute with Enzo Ferrari, exiting the company during the “palace revolt”. With fresh talent and resources, Lamborghini was soon producing a car that was better built, more sophisticated, and better performing than contemporary Ferraris. Impressive specifications included an all new quad cam V-12, fully independent suspension, disc brakes, and a Gian Paolo Dallara designed 5-speed synchromesh gearbox, initially made by ZF, and then in house by Lamborghini. All this advanced technology found Ferrari still using single cam motors, live rear axles, and four-speed gearboxes.

Initially built using more traditional construction methods, Lamborghini quickly realized that demand warranted more advanced and less laborious production. Touring of Milan, regarded as a premier coachbuilder, came on board refining the originally penned SuperleggeraScaglione design using a more dimensionally tolerant steel body, with a revised roofline, new headlights, a new lower profile floor pan allowing space for small rear seats, and of course, the new 4 liter 320 hp engine. The contemporary press reveled at the refinement, luxurious materials, exceptional build quality, and performance offered in the 350GT and then refined in the 400GT. Even legendary Beatle and sports car enthusiast Paul McCartney became an owner of one of the mere 247 production 400GTs built. By successfully launching Lamborghini into the budding supercar world, the 400 GT set the stage for a remarkable series of sports cars, making Lamborghini a world leader building some of the finest performance automobiles.

This particular 400 GT is a mid-production 1967 model that was formerly owned by an enthusiast in the Netherlands. A well-known collector acquired the car via RM Auctions in 2017 adding it to a collection boasting some of the finest GT motorcars of the period. The current owner purchased the car through RM Auctions and has since thoughtfully serviced and updated it, installing coil over suspension, contemporary electronic ignition, and very discretely configured air conditioning, all of which greatly improve the driving experience of this nicely presented 400 GT.

The handsome color combination of silver grey over tan leather presents nicely overall, enhancing the beautifully formed glass, exquisite Touring body lines, and nicely detailed Borrani wire wheels.

The attractive paint is smooth and glossy showing minor imperfections and some small flaws but overall delivering a very pleasing visual impression. The bumpers appear to be original showing light hazing in the surfaces. There are some minor flaws on the chrome window trim, and minor pitting on the door handles and hood vents. The glass, lenses, and various trim all appear very nice and in keeping with the overall presentation of the car. The Borrani wire wheels are in very nice condition, with excellent finish and nicely detailed triple eared knock offs.

The interior is in very nicely presented overall. When offered for sale by RM Auctions, the interior was reported to be original to the car. This is certainly possible as it retains a very nice patina and has the look and feel of a properly maintained interior with all the signs of a factory installation. The leather seats display a lovely patina while the doors and other soft surfaces reflect a nice sheen and are comfortable to the touch. The console and dashboard upholstery are nicely preserved with minor evidence age, and the newer black carpeting is fit and stitched with care. The steering wheel has the correct appearance with properly polished aluminum spokes, a handsome center emblem, and finely finished wood lacquered rim. The air conditioning vents are thoughtfully installed under the far lower corners of the dashboard, using delicate round vent ports that echo the style of the period. The instruments, switches, and controls are in very nice shape as well, once again contributing to the look and feel of this nicely presented 400 GT.

The engine compartment is clean and nicely detailed using generally correct components, fasteners, and proper finishes. The early series period correct 400 engine currently installed in the car is stamped with number 0728. The engine has been properly prepared featuring nicely detailed correct Weber carburetors, correct air cleaners, and updated MSD ignition. Overall the engine and engine compartment are tidy in presentation boasting a few improvements and upgrades reflecting the owner’s intentions to drive his cars. The trunk has been properly finished with black carpet, housing a full sized wire wheel. The undercarriage reveals a clean and tidy car with good structural integrity that has seen road use but still maintains a very presentable level of detail on suspension components and the exhaust system.

One of the added benefits of the later Series 400 GT is the improved driver ergonomics accommodating larger drivers. The additional roof height in the 400 GT also gives more comfort to driver and passenger. One of the most agile and exciting cars to drive, the 400 GT is both quick and responsive in a light and cohesive way, beguiling the V12 engine. The surprising delight in driving is the responsive nature and willingness these cars so easily deliver. It is clear that Lamborghini set out to build not only a fine performance car, but one that would set a high standard for all competitors. This particular example starts easily, runs smoothly on idle and makes excellent power on demand, thanks in large part to the updated ignition. The transmission shifts well through all gears, with the gear selector positioned perfectly in the car. The improved coil over suspension is a very nice enhancement during spirited cornering and at highway speeds. The steering, brakes, and suspension all have a very good, harmonious feel, offering nice feedback and capable responses, enhanced by the carefully selected mechanical improvements.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a great driving Lamborghini 400 GT with lovely presentation, thoughtful upgrades, and handsome interior patina. For anyone seeking a fine driving car for road rally events or open highways, this Lamborghini 400 is a wonderful driver’s car exemplifying Lamborghini’s genesis into more than half a century of sports and GT car excellence.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608