60 years of the Lamborghini 350 GT at the Geneva Motor Show

In March 1964, Lamborghini presented its first production car at the Geneva Motor Show: the 350 GT. 60 years later, the car with chassis number two returns to the streets of Geneva to celebrate the history of the Italian brand from Sant’ Agata. Now you might be wondering why Lamborghini didn’t use the 350 GT with chassis number 101 in Verde Ginevra Metallizzato (green) for this restoration. The answer is: This car no longer exists. The first 350 GT with a white interior was destroyed in a rear-end collision at a traffic light.

The 350 GT shown here in metallic gray with a red interior, which left the factory on August 15, 1964 and was sent to Geneva, has stood the test of time. Today, this 350 GT is Lamborghini’s oldest production car, restored and certified by the former Polo Storico factory department. In Geneva in 1964, the model was eye-catching and acted as a magnet for visitors and journalists. Ferruccio Lamborghini himself demonstrated the car on the exhibition stand to potential customers and trade fair visitors. At that time, interested parties could buy the sports car directly on the website.

The creation of the 350 GT

The story of how this timeless sports car came to be is still inspiring today. A year before the Geneva Motor Show in October, Lamborghini presented the first model, the 350 GTV. The frame and chassis were designed by Gian Paolo Dallara, who is still known today as one of the best chassis designers in the world. The aluminum body was built by the Milanese company Carrozzeria Touring. The independent suspension was a pioneer as was the 320 hp engine.

Engine as brand DNA

The 3.5-liter V12 with four overhead camshafts was developed by designer Giotto Bizzarrini as a racing engine. Engineer Paolo Stanzani then adapted the engine for street use. A few months after its debut in Switzerland, engineers increased the displacement of the V12 to four liters to fit it into the 400 GT. This engine became a key factor in Lamborghini’s success.

For the next 40 years, the V12 served as the basis for many other Lamborghinis and eventually became an integral part of the brand’s DNA. The manufacturer installs it as a longitudinal front engine in the 400 GT, Islero, Jarama, Espada and LM002. As a transverse mid-engine it ends up in the Miura and as a longitudinal mid-engine in the Countach and Diablo. The interior is very elegant and classy. The manufacturer uses leather and chrome beautifully. What is special, however, is that there is room for two people in the front row of seats and only one in the back, in the middle rear seat.

Lamborghini 350 GT im Showbusiness

Drummer Giampiero Giusti from the Italian jazz group Quartetto di Lucca bought the first 350 GT. This was the beginning of the relationship between Lamborghini and show business. Many actors and musicians became fans of the brand. The 350 GT got its first film role in 1967 in Columbia Pictures’ Make Me Cold, I’m Freezing.