The Lamborghini 350GT holds a significant place in Lamborghini’s history as the company’s first production model. Here’s an overview of its history:
Introduction:
- The Lamborghini 350GT was introduced in 1964 at the Geneva Motor Show, marking Lamborghini’s official entry into the automotive industry.
- Ferruccio Lamborghini, the company’s founder, aimed to create a grand touring car that rivaled the best sports cars of its time.
Design and Features:
- Designed by Franco Scaglione, the 350GT featured a sleek and elegant design, combining smooth lines with classic GT proportions.
- It was a 2-seater coupe with a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, representing a departure from Lamborghini’s later mid-engine supercars.
Performance:
- Powering the 350GT was a 3.5-liter V12 engine, delivering around 270 horsepower. This engine was developed by Giotto Bizzarrini, a prominent engineer involved in its creation.
- The car offered impressive performance for its era, with a top speed of around 158 mph (254 km/h) and a 0–60 mph acceleration in approximately 6.8 seconds.
Production and Legacy:
- Production of the 350GT was limited, with only 120 units produced. Its rarity contributes to its value among collectors and enthusiasts.
- Despite its relatively short production span, the 350GT laid the foundation for Lamborghini’s subsequent success in producing high-performance sports cars.
Evolution:
- The 350GT was succeeded by the Lamborghini 400GT, which featured improvements and updates in both design and performance.
The Lamborghini 350GT was a pivotal model in Lamborghini’s history, marking the company’s entry into the elite world of grand touring cars. While it might not have garnered the same level of fame as some of Lamborghini’s later supercars, its significance as the inaugural production model cannot be overstated.