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

In March 1964, Lamborghini presented its first production vehicle at the Geneva Motor Show: the 350 GT. 60 years later, the vehicle with the second chassis number returns to the streets of Geneva to celebrate the history of the Italian brand from Sant’ Agata. You might be wondering why Lamborghini didn’t use the 350 GT with chassis number 101 in Verde Ginevra Metallizzato (green) for this return. 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 gray metallic with a red interior, which left the factory on August 15, 1964 and was delivered to Geneva, has stood the test of time. Today, this 350 GT is Lamborghini’s oldest surviving production vehicle, overhauled and certified by the Polo Storico factory classic department. In Geneva in 1964, the model was an eye-catcher and acted like a magnet for visitors and journalists. Ferruccio Lamborghini himself demonstrated the car to potential customers and trade fair visitors at the trade fair stand. Back then, interested parties could buy the sports car directly on site.

The creation of the 350 GT

The story of how this timeless sports car came about still inspires today. A year before the Geneva Motor Show in October, Lamborghini presented the first prototype, 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 constructed by the Milanese company Carrozzeria Touring. The independent suspension was just as pioneering as the 320 hp engine.

The engine as the DNA of the brand

The V12 with a displacement of 3.5 liters and four overhead camshafts was developed by the designer Giotto Bizzarrini as a racing engine. Engineer Paolo Stanzani then adapted the engine for road use. A few months after its debut in Switzerland, the engineers increased the displacement of the V12 to four liters in order to install it in the 400 GT. This engine became an important element in Lamborghini’s success.

Over the next 40 years, the V12 served as the basis for many other Lamborghinis and was ultimately considered an important part of the brand DNA. The manufacturer installs it as a longitudinal front engine in the 400 GT, the Islero, the Jarama, the Espada and the 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 luxurious and of high quality. The manufacturer uses leather and chrome lavishly. What is special, however, is that there is space for two people in the front row of seats and only one in the back, in a central rear seat.

Lamborghini 350 GT in show business

The drummer Giampiero Giusti from the Italian jazz group Quartetto di Lucca bought the first 350 GT. This was the beginning of a 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 the film “Make Me Cold, I’m Freezing” by Columbia Pictures.

Conclusion

After 60 years, the Lamborghini returns to Geneva for a joyride. The steep career of a young automobile manufacturer and its designs began here in 1964. Only 135 examples of the 350 GT were produced, but its engine, the V12 with four overhead camshafts, served as the basis for new engines and other models for a long time.

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