Fantasy Junction

Description

1968 Lamborghini Islero
s/n 6318, engine no. 2457
Silver with Tobacco Interior

By the late 1960s, Lamborghini’s 400GT 2+2 was looking a bit old fashioned, especially compared to the stunning Miura, and Carrozzeria Touring, who built the bodies of the 400GT 2+2, was in the midst of declaring bankruptcy. Thus, the car’s replacement, the Islero, was introduced for the 1968 model year. Featuring an elegant, restrained, and much more modern aesthetic, the car looked more contemporary and retained the sophisticated mechanicals of its processor, including wonderful quad cam V12, 5-speed gearbox, and fully independent suspension. The car was 4.5 inches shorter and 65kg (143 pounds) lighter, meaning that performance was improved over the earlier car. The Islero’s understated appearance meant that they were overlooked by most of the customers with large egos who bought the more exotic offerings from Sant’Agata, including even the outlandish Espada, but the Islero represented a sophisticated gentleman’s express and it is no surprise that Ferruccio Lamborghini drove one. Just 225 examples were built, of which 125 were early cars such as this one, making them exceptionally rare. They are genuinely good cars to drive as well, and have been rapidly increasing in value as collectors start to pick up on their combination of thoroughbred Italian mechanicals, rarity, and restrained elegance.

This particular car was the 104th Islero built and remains in its original color combination of argento with tobacco interior. The body was received by Lamborghini from Marazzi on the 10th of October 1968, and the car was completed a month later on the 11th of November 1968. The car was supplied on the 28th of January 1969 to concessionaire AutoElite in Milan and sold new to an owner in the region of Como. The car was registered on plate CO 288540 and remained in Italy until 1975. The car comes with its original Carta di Circolazione per Autovettura (registration booklet). The car was then imported to the United Kindgom, where it had two owners, John Henry Lewis and John Theodore Barnes and was registered JYP 16N. The first owner kept the car from 1 July 1975 to 1 August 1980, and the second from 1980 to 1984. The car saw significant overhauling work in 1982 by Russell Grove Garage in Bristol, including rebuilds of the engine, carburetors, gearbox, and a respray. The car was exported to the United States in April of 1984, and shipped at a cost of $518. The car received its DOT and EPA releases and belonged to a John Yearsley in Delaware from 1984 until 2000. Mr. Yearsley had two Isleros (this car and 6129) and sold both to this car’s next owner.

In 2011 and 2012, the car saw major mechanical work, including rebuilt carburetors and rebuilt cylinder heads with new valves and guides. The water pump was also rebuilt and the hoses replaced. A further $55,000 of work was performed, including rebuilt suspension, new exhaust system, and refreshed hydraulic system. The brake and clutch master cylinders were replaced, as were the clutch slave cylinder and brake servos. All four brake calipers were rebuilt as well and new pads fitted. The pedal cluster was rebuilt and the shifter bushings replaced. The suspension was comprehensively rebuilt, including rebuilt Koni shock absorbers, powder coated A arms and springs, new ball joints, and new bushings throughout. The radiator was record and significant cad plating performed on the fuel lines and carburetor components. The oil lines were also replaced and the ignition system serviced with new points and condensors. The car was shown at Concorso Italiano in 2012, where it placed 3rd in Class.

Cosmetically, the car is a nice driver level example throughout. The paintwork is in very good condition with few blemishes in the form of some stress cracks at the leading corners of the engine lid opening and a few chips on the door tops near the window trims. The body is straight and displays great door gaps, although the fit on the front and rear deck lids could be more consistent. The paintwork was done to nice driver standards. The chrome varies good to excellent throughout, with some light scratches on the bumpers and a few pits on the door handles. The glass and lights are excellent throughout, as are the magnesium wheels. The car was fitted with Islero S fender flares during the cosmetic restoration.

The interior is largely original and is in lovely, well-preserved condition. The leather has some patina in the form of creases and minor cracks, but is intact and remains supple. The dashboard also appears original and is correctly presented throughout, with factory switches and gauges, which are in excellent shape. The carpets are high quality wool and are very good, and the car’s original wood steering wheel is in beautiful condition.

The engine is generally correct in appearance and shows much evidence of recent work including rebuilt carburetors, refinished valve covers, fresh brake hydraulics among other work. Other areas such as the hood liner and firewall heat pad are in very nice original condition. The trunk is fundamentally unrestored and in very nice shape with good original carpets. The car has a tool roll as well as the award it won at Concorso Italiano. The correct spare is in place under the floor, wearing a vintage Pirelli Cinturato tire.

The car runs and drives well, starting easily, and it is well-tuned. It shifts great following its recent transmission work and the brakes are effective and linear in operation. The chassis and suspension are tight and coherent in feel and the car has an effortless grand tourer feel that is sophisticated and engaging.

This is a rare opportunity an Islero with great integrity. Finished in its great original color combination and retaining its lovely original interior, this car has been the recipient of significant recent mechanical work. It is well-documented with various documentation to support the car’s history as outlined above, plus extensive recent records for the mechanical work. It comes with tool roll with tools, jack, and award from Concorso Italiano.

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