1965 Lamborghini 350 GT – Exterior and Interior – Auto Zürich Classic Car Show 2021

The Lamborghini 350 GT of 1964 was the company’s first production automobile and introduced a sophisticated V12 engine that would define the brand for decades. It marked Ferruccio Lamborghini’s decisive entry into the grand touring segment.

Technical Details:

The 1965 Lamborghini 350 GT was powered by a front-mounted 3,464 cc V12 engine designed by Giotto Bizzarrini. The engine featured an aluminum block and cylinder heads, dual overhead camshafts per bank, and six twin-choke Weber carburetors. In road specification, output was rated at approximately 280 PS (206 kW) at around 6,500 rpm, a figure that positioned the 350 GT firmly within the upper tier of mid-1960s grand tourers. Power was transmitted to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. The drivetrain followed a traditional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, optimized for high-speed stability and long-distance performance. The chassis consisted of a tubular steel frame, providing a rigid yet relatively lightweight structure. Independent suspension was employed at all four corners, with wishbones, coil springs, and anti-roll bars contributing to controlled handling characteristics. Disc brakes were fitted front and rear, consistent with the car’s performance level. The 350 GT achieved a top speed in the region of 250 km/h, depending on specification and test conditions.

• Manufacturer: Automobili Lamborghini
• Model Name: Lamborghini 350 GT
• Year of Manufacturing: 1964–1966

Design:

The Lamborghini 350 GT was styled by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, using the company’s patented Superleggera construction method. This technique combined a lightweight tubular framework with aluminum body panels, contributing to a refined and elegant exterior. The proportions were classical for a grand tourer: a long hood accommodating the V12 engine, a set-back cabin, and a relatively short rear deck. The front end featured a slim grille and twin round headlamps integrated cleanly into the fenders. Chrome detailing was restrained, emphasizing clarity of form rather than ornamentation. The side profile displayed a smooth shoulder line and balanced glass area, while the rear maintained a simple and cohesive appearance. Inside, the 350 GT offered a well-appointed cabin with leather upholstery, comprehensive instrumentation, and a driver-oriented layout. The dashboard incorporated multiple round gauges arranged symmetrically, reflecting the car’s performance focus. Despite its sporting credentials, the interior prioritized comfort and long-distance usability, consistent with its grand touring mission.

Historical Significance:

The Lamborghini 350 GT represents the starting point of Automobili Lamborghini as a car manufacturer. Ferruccio Lamborghini founded the company in 1963, motivated in part by his dissatisfaction with contemporary sports cars. The 350 GT evolved from the earlier 350 GTV prototype presented in 1963, which required substantial refinement before entering production. By 1965, production of the 350 GT was underway at the newly established factory in Sant’Agata Bolognese. The model demonstrated that Lamborghini could compete directly with established marques in the high-performance GT segment. The advanced V12 engine, developed under Bizzarrini’s direction and later adapted for road use by Lamborghini engineers, became the foundation for future models, including the 400 GT and, ultimately, the Miura. Approximately 120 examples of the 350 GT were built between 1964 and 1966. Though production numbers were modest, the car established Lamborghini’s technical credibility and brand identity. It confirmed that the company was capable of producing a refined, high-performance automobile from its inception.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

The Lamborghini 350 GT is often discussed in relation to the 350 GTV prototype that preceded it. The prototype’s engine installation and detailing required significant reworking before series production could begin, leading to the more mature and cohesive 350 GT. This transition illustrates the rapid development phase of Lamborghini’s early years. Unlike later Lamborghini models with more radical styling, the 350 GT remains understated in appearance. Its elegance and engineering sophistication have made it particularly valued among collectors who appreciate early Lamborghini history. The V12 engine introduced in the 350 GT continued, in evolved form, in Lamborghini production cars for decades, becoming one of the longest-serving engine architectures in automotive history.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at the Auto Zürich Classic Car Show in 2021. As part of the broader Auto Zürich Car Show, the Classic section has grown into a key attraction for lovers of historic vehicles in Switzerland. In 2021, the event took place at Messe Zürich and featured a dedicated hall showcasing a curated selection of vintage automobiles, spanning from pre-war icons to youngtimers. The atmosphere combined elegance with accessibility, allowing visitors to admire rare collector cars alongside enthusiast vehicles. Special displays highlighted Swiss automotive heritage and featured club presentations and dealer exhibits.

Conclusion:

The 1965 Lamborghini 350 GT stands as the inaugural production model of Automobili Lamborghini. Technically defined by its 3.5-liter quad-cam V12, tubular chassis, independent suspension, and disc brakes, it offered high performance within a refined grand touring package. Its Touring-designed body combined lightweight construction with classical proportions. Historically, it established Lamborghini’s presence in the competitive GT market and laid the foundation for the brand’s future V12 lineage. As the first true Lamborghini road car, the 350 GT remains a cornerstone of the company’s automotive heritage.