1965 Lamborghini 350 GT

Generously Lent by Audrain Member Doug Cohen

·       Lamborghini’s first production automobile, after expanding out of farm tractor production

·       Many advanced features such as fully independent suspension and disc brakes

·       Awarded 1st Place in the Speed and Style Class at the 2023 Audrain Concours

This is an example of the first Lamborghini model, unveiled at the 1964 Geneva Motor Show. It has been restored to its original grigio medio (medium gray) exterior and tobacco interior. The car was originally delivered to Jake Kaplan's Motors in Warwick, Rhode Island, which was the first US importer of Lamborghinis.

It was truly an astounding feat that Ferruccio Lamborghini was able to produce the 350 GT as the company’s first car. The 350 GT was designed as an athletic and capable grand tourer, with aims to compete with the best road going Ferraris of the time. Construction of the 350 GT was led by Carrozzeria Touring, a famed Italian coachbuilder at the time. Touring produced the aluminum body-on-frame construction (Superleggera), whereafter the cars would return to Lamborghini for final assembly.

The heart and soul of the 350 GT is the 3.5-liter V12. With an all-aluminum construction, the quality control of the engines was reportedly extremely high. Each engine was tested for 24 hours on a Schenk Walge dynamometer, first under electric power then with gasoline for the final 12 hours. An analysis of its performance was noted before installation. These powerful engines produced 280 horsepower, though with its five-speed transmission, the car was able to use this power to achieve a top speed of nearly 160 mph. The fully independent suspension utilized coil over shocks at all corners along with both front and rear anti-roll bars. Disc brakes were also utilized at all four corners. This chassis and suspension combination allowed for a comfortable yet extremely capable and athletic driving experience.

The 350 GT is far from Lamborghini’s most popular car in the company’s history, but it is one of the most important. Just 120 of these cars were built before Lamborghini transitioned to the more powerful 400 GT, though without the success of this car, Lamborghini’s name might not have been so familiar today.

Specifications

Engine: Front-mounted 3.5-liter V12

Horsepower: 280 @ 6500 rpm

Torque: 254 ft./lbs. @ 4500 rpm

Transmission: 5-speed manual

0-60 MPH: 6.8 sec

Top Speed: 158 mph

Weight: 2315 lbs