www.QV500.com - Lamborghini Islero Part 1: 400 GT Islero
 

Automotive design and technology was advancing faster during the 1960's than at any time in history. Lamborghini were at the forefront of this and the firms 350 and 400 GT's had proven more than match for any of their rivals. However, not wanting to stand still, Lamborghini's Touring-bodied machines were replaced by a new pair of models at the Turin Salon in March 1968. One was the outlandish Espada designed by Bertone, the other, Mario Marazzi's Islero. Marazzi was a relative unknown at the time, his workforce having comprised mainly of ex-Touring personnel who joined up after the Milanese firm went bust.
   

Many commentators questioned Lamborghini’s judgement in entrusting the design of this new model to Marazzi, the cars sharp, unassuming lines seemingly causing controversy at the time while the Espada was hailed an unqualified success. It was Ferruccio Lamborghini himself that laid down the Islero's directives and thus the Islero more than any other personifies the company founders vision for his marque. Constructed in two variations (the Islero and subsequent Islero S), this was one of many 2+2's from the late sixties to be eclipsed by Lamborghini's Espada. Using the same square-tubed chassis as the 400 GT 2+2 it was replacing, minor modifications included widened front track, revised front suspension and thicker anti-roll bars. Considering these familiar underpinnings, it was no surprise to find the Bizzarrini-designed 60° V12 retaining a 3929cc capacity thanks to an unchanged bore and stroke of 82 x 62mm respectively. Output was marginally increased, five more horses totalling 325bhp at 7000rpm, this slight gain coming via an increased compression ratio of 10.5:1 (up from from 9.5:1).

 
Carburettors remained unchanged, Lamborghini sticking with six twin-choke sidedraught Weber 40 DCOE’s. Top speed was 154mph while 0-60 took 6.4 seconds. The bodywork was designed and fabricated by Marazzi in Milan, the little firm creating an exceptionaly crisp design that was a complete departure from Touring's prior work. One of the most perfectly proportioned 2+2's ever, the front was home to retractable headlights and resembled Vignale's subsequent work on the Maserati Indy. Marazzi's sharply creased theme continued throughout, the tail receiving bumpers curiously positioned above each light cluster.
   
Although Lamborghini's prototype Islero was factory-fitted with Borrani wire wheels, these were substituted in favour of the cast magnesium Campagnolo's as fitted to the Miura for production. Some historians think the Islero lacks the cache of its more flamboyant Bertone-bodied sisters, the Miura and Espada. However, it was never designed as an alternative to either of them, the Islero having been ideal for the distinguished gentleman who neither desired nor required the attention such flashy models would have brought. Marazzi's interior was also completely fresh and featured a new dash, centre console and wood-rimmed steering wheel. Unfortunately though, the cabin was way below par, not on account of its aesthetics, but rather the woeful build quality. Rumour has it that an English customer who was more accustomed to Aston Martin's was so disappointed that he had his Islero's cabin completely re-trimmed before he would even drive the car! Launched during March 1968 at the Geneva Salon, Lamborghini unveiled the Islero at the same show as their incredible Espada and also the newly modified Miura S.
 
Alongside such a stunning pair of creations, few cars would've got much notice and this restrained gentleman’s express was destined for a quiet existence. Because Marazzi's quality control was painfully inadequate, Islero's were typically a world away from Touring-built predecessors that ranked among the best built cars in the world. As a result, its deficiencies have ever since tainted what was fundamentally a very good car. Production continued until the summer of 1969 when the original version was replaced by a 350bhp Islero S. 125 examples had been completed at the rate of just under two a week.