1968 Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2

Lot details
Registration No: SLF403F
Chassis No: 1150
Mot Expiry: 20/04/09

Introduced at the March 1966 Geneva Salon alongside the Miura, the Lamborghini 400GT 2+2 was comprehensively upstaged by its mid-engined sibling (a pity because it was by far the more complete and refined car). Derived from that of its 350GTV and 350GT / 400GT predecessors, the front-engined model's tubular steel chassis was designed by Giampaolo Dallara. Boasting all-round independent coil-over suspension, front / rear anti-roll bars, worm and nut steering and four-wheel disc brakes, it endowed the 400GT 2+2 with class leading dynamics.

Remarkably self-assured, its Carrozzeria Touring-sculpted steel bodywork was in marked contrast to the Miura's 'look-at-me' Bertone styling. And while both cars shared the same Giotto Bizzarrini conceived 3929cc 'quad-cam' V12 engine, it was the nominal four-seater that was arguably the more rewarding drive. Though, with a reputed 320bhp and 262lbft on tap road testers still found the heavier machine capable of 0-60mph in 6.6 seconds, 0-100mph in 16.0 seconds and 155mph. True to Ferruccio Lamborghini's original goal of making a car that was not only the performance equal of a Ferrari but its superior in refinement and quality terms, the 400GT 2+2 featured a new five-speed manual gearbox (incorporating baulk-ring synchromesh even on reverse) and differential.

Manufactured in-house these transmission components replaced ZF and Salisbury units respectively. Reviewing the model on April 20th 1967, Autocar judged it to be "better than all the equivalent exotic and home-bred machinery in this glamorous corner of the fast-car market" before concluding that "to achieve this level of performance without noise, fuss, temperament or drama is an achievement; in the time taken for development, it is nothing short of sensational". Perilously close to the Ferrari 275GTB/4 in price terms (£6,444 vs. £6,516), the Lamborghini 400GT 2+2 remained in production until 1968 by which time some 224 are thought to have been made. However, just six of these were reputedly to right-hand drive specification.

Finished in Rosso Corsa with black pigskin leather upholstery, this particular right-hand drive example is described by the vendor as being in "very good overall" condition. Said to have had just two previous keepers prior to entering the current (third) ownership in January 1974, 'SLF 403F' has apparently covered just 44,200 miles from new. Recently emerging from a seven-year long restoration programme, work is understood to have seen the Lamborghini receive attention to its engine (new timing chains, water pump overhauled), clutch and brake system (pipes, callipers, pads etc). The subject of a bare metal respray during 2002 that involved the use of "lead loading where necessary rather than filler", it has also reportedly been treated to "fresh rubbers / seals, new carpets and sundry rechroming".

Riding on new Borrani wheels shod with fresh tyres, this ultra rare and desirable RHD 400GT 2+2 is offered for sale with old style logbook, current registration document and MOT certificate valid until April 2009.