The 1968 Lamborghini Islero is a classic grand tourer (GT) that exemplifies the elegance and performance of Lamborghini during the late 1960s. The Islero was introduced as a successor to the Lamborghini 400 GT, offering a more refined and luxurious driving experience while maintaining the high-performance standards set by the brand.
Here’s an overview of the 1968 Lamborghini Islero:
Background
- Manufacturer: Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.
- Year: 1968
- Model: Islero
Specifications
- Engine: The Islero is powered by a 4.0-liter V12 engine, a hallmark of Lamborghini’s engineering prowess at the time. This engine, with a displacement of 3,929 cc, produces 325 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 276 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. The engine is equipped with six Weber twin-choke carburetors, contributing to its impressive power output and responsiveness.
- Transmission: The car comes with a five-speed manual transmission, sending power to the rear wheels. The transmission is known for its smooth shifting and durability, which complements the car’s grand touring nature.
- Chassis: The Islero features a tubular steel chassis, providing a strong and rigid platform for the vehicle. This chassis design contributes to the car’s balanced handling and overall structural integrity.
- Suspension: The Islero is equipped with independent suspension on all four wheels, featuring double wishbones and coil springs. This setup ensures a comfortable and controlled ride, which is essential for a grand tourer designed for long-distance driving.
- Brakes: The car is fitted with four-wheel disc brakes, which were advanced for the time. These brakes provide strong and reliable stopping power, enhancing both safety and performance.
Design and Features
- Body Style: The Lamborghini Islero is a 2+2 coupe, meaning it offers seating for four, with two smaller rear seats suitable for short trips or extra luggage space. The body was designed by Mario Marazzi, of Carrozzeria Marazzi, following the closure of Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, the designer of the 400 GT.
- Exterior Design: The Islero’s design is characterized by its clean, understated lines, reflecting a more conservative approach compared to other flamboyant Lamborghini models like the Miura. It features a low, sleek profile, with a long hood, fastback rear, and subtle flares over the wheel arches. The overall design emphasizes elegance and refinement rather than aggressive styling.
- Interior: The interior of the Islero is luxurious and well-appointed, with high-quality leather upholstery, wood trim, and a dashboard filled with a full array of instruments. The interior design is driver-focused, with clear visibility of all gauges and easy access to controls. The cabin is spacious for a GT of this era, offering comfort for both driver and passengers on long journeys.
- Instrumentation: The dashboard features classic round gauges, including a speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure gauge, fuel gauge, and more. The layout is designed to be functional and aesthetically pleasing, in line with the car’s grand touring purpose.
Performance
- Top Speed: The Lamborghini Islero can reach a top speed of approximately 155 mph (250 km/h), making it one of the faster GT cars of its time.
- Acceleration: The car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 100 km/h) in about 6.4 seconds, which is impressive given its size and weight. The V12 engine provides strong, linear power delivery, characteristic of Lamborghini’s high-performance ethos.
- Handling: The Islero’s independent suspension and well-balanced chassis contribute to excellent handling dynamics. While it may not be as agile as some of Lamborghini’s more track-focused models, it offers a smooth and controlled ride, ideal for long-distance touring.
Historical Significance
- Successor to the 400 GT: The Islero was designed as a more refined replacement for the 400 GT, aiming to appeal to Lamborghini customers who wanted a more understated and luxurious grand tourer.
- Low Production Numbers: Only 225 units of the Lamborghini Islero were produced, making it a rare and highly sought-after model among collectors. Its limited production adds to its allure and exclusivity.
- Transition Period: The Islero represents a transitional period in Lamborghini’s history, balancing the company’s early focus on high-performance GT cars with the growing influence of more exotic and flamboyant designs, which would become more pronounced in later models like the Countach.
Legacy
- Collector’s Item: Due to its rarity, performance, and classic design, the Lamborghini Islero is highly prized among collectors. Its understated elegance and strong performance make it a standout model in Lamborghini’s early history.
- Cultural Appreciation: The Islero is often appreciated by enthusiasts who value its blend of luxury, performance, and relatively conservative styling, which sets it apart from some of the more dramatic designs in Lamborghini’s lineup.
- Enduring Appeal: The combination of its V12 engine, classic GT styling, and limited production numbers ensures the Islero’s continued interest and admiration among automotive enthusiasts and collectors.
Summary
The 1968 Lamborghini Islero is a classic grand tourer that combines understated elegance with Lamborghini’s signature V12 performance. With its refined design, luxurious interior, and powerful engine, the Islero stands as a significant model in Lamborghini’s history. Its rarity and unique position as a more conservative GT within the Lamborghini lineup make it a cherished and sought-after vehicle among collectors and automotive historians.
Taken at the Amelia Island Concours
You may purchase a print of the 1968 Lamborghini Islero in our dElegance 2017 online gallery.
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