Lamborghini 350 GT
| Lamborghini 350 GT | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer |
Carrozzeria Touring for Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A |
| Production | May 1964–1966 120 built |
| Assembly | Sant'Agata, Italy |
| Designer | Carrozzeria Touring |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Grand tourer (S) |
| Body style | 2-door coupé |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3,464 cc (211.4 cu in) 60° aluminium V12 DOHC |
| Transmission | 5-speed ZF manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,550 mm (100.4 in) |
| Width | 1,730 mm (68.1 in) |
| Height | 1,220 mm (48.0 in) |
| Kerb weight | 1,450 kg (3,197 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Lamborghini 400GT |
The Lamborghini 350 GT was the first production vehicle produced by Lamborghini. Production started in May 1964, after its well-received debut at the March 1964 Geneva auto show. Its success ensured the company's survival, establishing it as a viable competitor with sports car maker Ferrari.
After the testing of his prototype Lamborghini engine in May 1963,Giotto Bizzarrini left the company, and the following month Ferruccio Lamborghini assigned Gian Paolo Dallara—with the assistance of Paolo Stanzani and Bob Wallace—the task of developing a production version of the grand tourer.
Dallara and Stanzani quickly realized that the Lamborghini 350GTV was not properly designed for mass production, so they proceeded along parallel lines:
The original Bizzarrini-designed 3.5 liter V12 was essentially a race motor, potentially developing 400 hp at 11,000rpm. In order to fit his grand touring car with a smoother, more pleasant, longer-lasting engine, that was "good for 40,000 hard miles between services" Ferruccio had Dallara and Wallace detune a version of this prototype "GTV" motor for street use. This included:
This first "detuned" L350 engine was tested on October 3, 1963. The result—later fit in the 350 GT—was a very capable 270 bhp power plant that could reach 254 kilometres per hour (158 mph) in top form.
While this 350 GT design work continued, the prototype was rushed to completion for the upcoming October 26 press meeting and the subsequent inauguration of the Turin Auto Show on the 30th. The Lamborghini 350GTV was shown at the Turin Auto Show with the original Bizzarrini "racing" V-12 engine—with its downdraft webers, rear distributors, etc.—displayed alongside as it was not "adapted to the chassis." The car was a "non-runner" with the suspension arms simply tack-welded in place and the engine not installed. Lukewarm reaction to the car caused Ferruccio to postpone plans for immediate production and move on to the new 350 GT design.
In March 1964, only 5 months after the debut of the GTV in Turin, the "redesigned GTV"—now called the 350 GT—was debuted at the Geneva Auto Show. It was greeted with sufficient enthusiasm that Ferruccio decided to proceed with production at Sant'Agata in May 1964.
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Wikipedia