Lamborghini 400GT GT 2+2 RHD 1967
General description :
1967 Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2 RHD
This exceptional Lamborghini is a very rare car being one of only 247 Lamborghini 400 GTs produced and one of only four converted to RHD when new by the UK Lamborghini importer.
The Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2 was introduced at the 1966 Geneva Auto Show and was designed to replace the earlier 2 seater Lamborghini 350 GT and 400 GT Interim. The principal changes were to the body, especially the roofline, which enabled the installation of the +2 seating in the slightly enlarged cabin, and some mechanical improvements including a new full synchromesh gearbox. Like its predecessors, the 400 GT 2+2 was of critical importance to Lamborghini in providing the lucrative sports and grand touring car market with a credible alternative to Ferrari.
While all 400 GT 2+2s are rare cars, this example is exceptional being one of only four with RHD steering. Manufactured in 1967 it was not registered until January 1968 when it was an executive car with The Star Group of Companies, the UK’s biggest family-owned entertainments company who were eventually acquired by EMI.
In 1972 the Lamborghini moved to its second owner, a Mr Anthony Thorn of Guildford and remained with him for two years before entering the possession of Mr Kenneth Collins who was to cherish his Lamborghini for over 30 years. During his lengthy ownership the car was used only sparingly for the first year or so before being carefully maintained in dry storage, which accounts for the modest mileage and excellent degree of originality of the car today.
When the car was acquired by its fourth owner it was decided that a car of such rarity warranted a full professional rebuild and in 2008 he commissioned a multi-year program of work which involved a complete disassembly and restoration of the car including bare metal repaint, full engine and mechanical rebuild and total re-trim, all to full concours standards. The work was undertaken by noted UK specialists and extensive invoices are on file with Bill McGrath, XK Engineering, Bob Houghton and final testing and detailing by ourselves.
Upon completion of the restoration in 2013 the car was displayed at the Salon Prive of that year and still presents today in beautiful restored condition. Finished in the stunning colour combination of Grigio St Vincent with Red leather interior and accompanied by a full set of numbers that match the factory build sheet, an extensive history file (including period photographs, original old style log book, invoices, MOTs and a detailed photographic record of the restoration) it offers a fantastic opportunity to acquire one of these iconic and very rare early Lamborghini’s with an outstanding provenance.
1967 Lamborghini 400GT GT 2+2 RHD is listed for sale on ClassicDigest in Essex by JD Classics for £475000.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Lamborghini Model : 400GT Model Version : GT 2+2 RHD Engine size : 3.9 Model Year : 1967 Location : Maldon Vehicle Registration : Undefined
475000 £
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About Lamborghini
Ah, the fiery tale of Lamborghini, a true icon born from the sparks of frustration with the Prancing Horse! Picture yourself in the early 1960s, a time when the automotive world was dominated by the likes of Ferrari. Now, enter Ferruccio Lamborghini, a successful tractor manufacturer and a man with a passion for powerful machines.Act 1: The Frustration (1963)
Ferruccio, a proud owner of several Ferraris, found himself dissatisfied with the clutch in his 250 GT. Frustrated, he marched into Enzo Ferrari's office to air his grievances. The meeting didn't go as planned, with Enzo dismissing Ferruccio's concerns, suggesting that he stick to building tractors. Well, that was like waving a red flag at a bull.
Act 2: The Birth of Lamborghini (1963)
Fuelled by a mixture of frustration and determination, Ferruccio decided to take matters into his own hands. In 1963, he founded Automobili Lamborghini. His vision? To create grand touring cars that rivaled, or even surpassed, the offerings of Ferrari.
Act 3: The Pioneering Models (1960s-1970s)
And thus, the Lamborghini legend began with the release of the Miura in 1966. Designed by Marcello Gandini, this mid-engined masterpiece was a trailblazer, the world's first true supercar. With a V12 engine mounted behind the driver, the Miura set the standard for performance and style.
Following the Miura's success, Lamborghini introduced the iconic Countach in the early '70s. Marcello Gandini once again worked his magic, giving birth to a wedge-shaped wonder that became a poster child for a generation. The Countach wasn't just a car; it was an automotive revolution.
Act 4: The Design Maestros
Behind the scenes, designers like Marcello Gandini and later Giugiaro played pivotal roles in shaping Lamborghini's distinct aesthetic. Gandini's work on the Miura and Countach cemented Lamborghini's reputation for bold, angular designs that pushed the boundaries of automotive styling.
Act 5: The Legacy and Modern Marvels
As the decades unfolded, Lamborghini continued to innovate and produce iconic models. The Diablo, Murciélago, Aventador, and the more recent Huracán and Urus all carry the Lamborghini DNA – a perfect blend of power, performance, and unmistakable design.
Epilogue: A Fierce Rivalry
The Lamborghini-Ferrari rivalry became legendary, driving both companies to push the limits of automotive engineering. Lamborghini, born out of frustration, emerged not just as a competitor but as a trailblazer, leading the way for mid-engined supercars that continue to captivate enthusiasts worldwide.
So, there you have it, the epic saga of Lamborghini – a story of frustration turned into a symphony of roaring engines, sleek designs, and a legacy that forever changed the landscape of high-performance automobiles.