1966 Lamborghini 350/400 GT Interim
HIGHLIGHTS
One of Just 23 Factory Interim Two-Seat 4-Liter Examples (350 GT Body by Touring)
Multiple Award Winning Car – Pebble Beach Concours, Concorso Italiano, Newport Beach Concours
Exceptional Cosmetics with Proven Mechanicals
A Premier 12-Cylinder Performance Sports Car
SPECIFICATIONS
VIN - XXXXXXX
Engine – 4-Liter 320 hp V12
Gearbox – 5-Speed All Synchromesh Manual
Drivetrain - Front Engine, RWD
PRICING INFORMATION
Price - Please Inquire
OVERVIEW
When Ferruccio Lamborghini set out to build his own sports car he was motivated in part by a feud with Enzo Ferrari. Legend has it the two Italians fought like actors in a Fellini film, with Lamborghini throwing down the gauntlet to beat Ferrari at their own game. Already at a significant advantage with resources from Lamborghini’s lucrative tractor business, Ferruccio lured talent like Giotto Bizzarrini and others who would arrive at Lamborghini after a dispute with Enzo Ferrari, known later as the “palace revolt”. With experienced talent and resources, Lamborghini was soon producing a car that was better built, more sophisticated, and better performing than contemporary Ferraris. Impressive specifications included an all-new quad cam V-12, fully independent suspension, disc brakes, and a Gian Paolo Dallara designed 5-speed synchromesh gearbox, initially made by ZF, and then in house by Lamborghini. All this advanced technology while Ferrari continued with single cam motors, live rear axles, and four-speed gearboxes.
When the production 350 GT debuted at the Geneva Auto Show in March 1964, it was to great acclaim and the first example was delivered in July of 1964. In all, only 143 examples (including 23 interim cars) were built before the body was revised by Touring into the 400 GT 2+2, later in 1966.
As a recap to show the historical importance, and rarity, of these Interim cars on the overall 350/400 production numbers.
Total Produced:
120 – 350 GTs
23 – Interims (350 GT with 4.0L motor)
224 – 400 GTs (2+2 configuration)
This car, referred to today as a 400 GT ‘Interim’, is the rarest and most desirable version of the 350 GT and 400 GT line. The Interim cars were, and are, the ultimate factory hot rod configuration. Early smaller body with a larger engine. This is the best of both worlds – the highly desirable 350 GT body, fitted with the larger 4.0L V12 motor and featuring six carburetors and 320hp. You will be impressed when opening the hood or putting your foot to the floor.
Working concurrently so as not to stop production, the last of the earlier body designs received the larger 4-liter engine and thusly become known as “Interim” series 4-liter cars. Of the 143 total production 350 GT cars built, just 23 Interim cars are known to have been constructed in this rare and highly desirable configuration. In addition to the robust and more powerful 4-liter engine, Interim cars were equipped with the revised Lamborghini built 5-speed gearbox and an all-new Lamborghini designed differential. Lamborghini would go on to develop groundbreaking cars like the Miura, Countach, Murcielago, and Aventador, all of which owe their lineage to the innovative and passionately conceived sports car that would establish Lamborghini as a leader in the industry.
This particular 350/400 GT Interim was acquired by a gentleman in Long Beach, California in 1987, and the car was entirely restored, including mechanical, in the late-90s under his ownership. Performed by marque specialists at Francorchamps of America at an extremely high level, the restoration continues to show very well even 25-some-odd years later. Immediately following restoration, the car’s distinguished show records began. These include:
1997 – Concorso Italiano – 1st in Class, Best of Show, People’s Choice (first car to sweep these awards)
1997 – Newport Beach Concours – 1st in Class
1998 – Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance – 2nd in Class
1998 – Palos Verdes Concours – 1st in Class
1999 – Concorso Italiano – People’s Choice
The Interim was auctioned by Bonhams to a new owner in Los Angeles in 2002. Following the auction, the car migrated to Washington State, where it’s been for many years. The current owner acquired the car in 2018 from another local Western Washington collector who had several significant Lamborghinis in his stable.
The impressive mechanical performance following restoration continues to be backed by the current owner who has participated in multiple organized four day 1000-mile tours as well as light weekend touring. All enjoyed without mechanical issues, followed by basic fluid and filter services.
Today this Interim example presents in the beautiful color combination of silver grey metallic over red leather, enhancing the stunning glass lines, exquisite Touring Superleggera coachwork, and sparkling Borrani wire wheels. The attractive paint is smooth and glossy with excellent coverage and just the right amount of micro-flake metallic illuminating the silver finish. The chrome bumpers, window trim, door handles, and unique circular hood vents are in excellent condition. The expansive glass, lenses, and various trim are exceptional throughout. The Borrani wire wheels are particularly fine, featuring polished alloy rims, beautifully laced spokes, and chrome plated triple-ear knock offs. A set of contemporary Pirelli P6000 Touring radial tires are mounted. The restoration, stance, and impressive design all combine to deliver a sophisticated visual presence for anyone who enjoys performance cars from this superlative era.
The interior is finished in vivid red leather. The leather seats display lovely contours with correct pleated inserts while the doors and other soft surfaces reflect excellence in fit and finish. The dashboard is in particularly nice condition with excellent instrumentation showing clear lenses, contrasting colors, and unique numeric indication. The center console and dashboard upholstery are taut and correctly stitched, and the low pile red carpeting is fit and stitched with care. The steering wheel is finished with properly polished aluminum spokes, a handsome center emblem, and a finely finished wood lacquered rim. The rear storage area is like new as are the headliner, sun visors, and polished entrance thresholds and inner door jambs. The trunk has been properly finished with black carpet, housing a full-sized spare wire wheel.
The engine compartment is clean, correctly detailed, and properly restored using accurate components, fasteners, and factory finishes. The 4-liter engine retains the correct FIAAM air cleaners, six correct dual-throat 40COE 2 side draft Weber carburetors, and cast alloy cam covers, finished with textured black paint and polished Lamborghini script. The engine and engine compartment are very impressive in presentation worthy of concours display. The undercarriage reveals a very clean and refined car with correct exhaust, correct suspension components, and finishes consistent with the care and detail afforded to all other aspects of this Interim example.
Behind the wheel of this Interim the driving dynamics are remarkably refined especially when compared against contemporary Ferraris of the same era. One of the most agile and exciting cars to drive, the car is both quick and responsive in a light and manageable way, which is surprising given the front V12 engine. This one starts easily and runs smoothly on idle, making excellent power and pulling strong in all 5 speeds. Steering, brakes, and suspension have a harmonious feel reminding any fan of Italian sports cars just how magnificent these exceptional hand-crafted cars are despite being more than half a century since they were launched to the public.
This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a rare and desirable Lamborghini 350/400 GT Interim. One of just 23 Interim cars built on the lovely 350 GT body by Touring, offering lovely visual presentation and proven mechanical excellence, this Interim is the ideal ambassador of Italian performance and elegance, ready to engage its next fortunate owner with the very best in sports car excellence.
Please contact Jason at +1-206-355-7727 or Hans at +1- 425-417-5877 for more information on this vehicle.
