Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2, 1967
Lamborghini 350/400 GT
Lamborghini 350/400 GT•
•59 views
Chassis No.: 0760
Auction: Indy 2020
Auction date: July 18, 2020
Lot No.: F150
$363,000 | Sold
- Exterior: Grigio Argento
- Interior: Tan
- Body: 2+2
- Unrestored original condition
- 28,000 miles since new
- Original Grigio Argento (Light Silver) paint with exception of approximately 10% minor touch-up
- Original Tan leather interior
- Original interior carpeting
- Original linings in trunk
- Original 3.9L DOHC V-12 engine and drivetrain
- 6 Weber twin throat carburetors
- 5-speed syncromesh manual transmission
- Original Borrani chrome wire knock-off wheels
- Original Nardi wood-rimmed steering wheel
- Power windows
- Jaeger instrumentation
- 1 of 246 produced over 3 years from 1966-1968
- The original base sticker price of a Lamborghini 400GT 2+2 in 1967 was $14,950; nearly 4 times the $3,995 price tag of a new Shelby GT350 at that time
An insulting sneer from Enzo Ferrari sank like a dagger into the soul of Ferruccio Lamborghini after Ferruccio dared to complain directly to Il Commendatore about certain engineering and design deficiencies from which his personal Ferrari GT was suffering. This is reputed to have been the start of Automobili Lamborghini, for Ferruccio vowed to create a better grand touring car than Ferrari ever dreamed of. The 1960s were not easy on Ferrari; it seemed everyone was out to get him. Lamborghini’s first assault arrived in 1963, when the company, Automobili Lamborghini, released its first prototype in the 350GTV.
By 1964, the 350GT had arrived, giving customers of hand-built exotic sports GTs quite a bit more to consider when choosing their next car. With just 120 built, the 400GT replaced it in 1966, along with a 400GT 2+2 that provided more interior room and rear seats. Only 247 2+2s were produced from 1966 to 1968. This particular 1967 400GT 2+2 is an exceptionally rare, highly original example that has never been restored, taking anyone who climbs inside right back to exactly how the factory meant for the cars to be. In fact, Gary Bobileff—one of the top experts in the world of vintage Lamborghinis—told the seller that this car is the finest example of an unrestored 400GT 2+2 that he is aware of.
While looking very similar to the 350GT, the 400GT 2+2 was a different car with several subtle and not-so-subtle enhancements to accommodate the extra room and weight. The 2+2 required a lowering of the floor pan and raising of the roof 2.6 inches, creating an overall height of 50.6 inches. The trunk was enlarged and the rear window was reduced, this being the most obvious change to the 2+2’s outward appearance. The dual fuel tanks were replaced by a single 23-gallon unit, and Lamborghini used a body of steel instead of aluminum, providing easier production methods and strength.
Lamborghini used its own transmission and differential, which was both easier to shift and quieter, thanks to the Porsche-style synchronizer system on reverse and all five forward gears. Except for repositioning the rear control arms, slightly modifying the wishbones and using stiffer springs and shocks, the chassis was the same as a 400GT Interim. Of course, the 400GT also used a new 4.0L DOHC V-12 engine complete with six 2-barrel Weber 40DCOE carburetors, the entire symphony of which produced 320 HP and an unforgettable sound. The interior was a fascinating place of leather, high-quality switches and toggles, fabulous instrumentation and a seriously luxurious aura.
Rolling on Borrani wire wheels and Pirelli tires, the 400GT 2+2—with its svelte design, sumptuous interior, hand-built nature and smooth V-12 engine—was indeed an exceptional response to an insulting dagger, and this one has never suffered the injustice of an unnecessary restoration. This is a rare opportunity to acquire what might be the most highly original, remarkably preserved example of a Lamborghini 400GT 2+2, one of Italy’s most iconic “raging bulls.”
https://www.mecum.com/lots/414705/1967-lamborghini-400-gt-22/
