Lamborghini 400 GT

Lamborghini 400 GT

1966 Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2
Overview
Manufacturer Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.
Also called Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2
Production 1966–1968
247 built[1]
Designer Carrozzeria Touring
Body and chassis
Class Grand tourer
Body style 2-door coupé
Layout FR layout
Powertrain
Engine 3,929 cc V12
Transmission 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,550 mm (100.4 in)[2]
Length 4,470 mm (176.0 in)[2]
Width 1,727 mm (68.0 in)[2]
Height 1,257 mm (49.5 in)[2]
Kerb weight 1,472 kg (3,245 lb)[2]
Chronology
Predecessor Lamborghini 350 GT
Successor Lamborghini Islero

Lamborghini 400 GT is the name given to two grand tourers produced by Italian manufacturer Lamborghini.

History

The first 400 GT, commonly referred to as simply the 400 GT or 400 GT Interim, was essentially the older 350 GT featuring an enlarged, 3,929 cc V12 engine, with a power output of 320 bhp (239 kW). Twenty-three of these cars were built, with three featuring aluminium bodywork.

The second 400 GT, commonly known as the 400 GT 2+2, had a different roofline, and minor sheetmetal changes compared to the 350 GT and first 400 GT. It was first presented at the 1966 Geneva Auto Show. The larger body shape enabled the +2 seating to be installed in the rear, where the 350 GT only had room for luggage or +1 seating. The bodywork was designed by Carrozzeria Touring. The 400 GT 2+2 also had a Lamborghini designed gearbox, with Porsche style synchromesh on all gears, which greatly improved the drivetrain. When leaving the factory the 400 GT originally fitted Pirelli Cinturato 205VR15 tyres (CN72).

A total of 23 units of the 400 GT Interim and 224 units of the 400 GT 2+2 were built from 1966 to 1968, when it was replaced with the Islero.

The 400 GT 2+2, 400 GT Interim and the 350 GT all shared the same 2,550 mm (100.4 in) wheelbase.

400 GT Monza

Lamborghini 400 GT Monza
Overview
Designer Giorgio Neri, Luciano Bonacini
Body and chassis
Body style 2-seater coupé

The Lamborghini 400 GT Monza was a one-off two-seater sports car based on the 400 GT "Interim", featuring unique bodywork by Neri and Bonacini.[3]

Giorgio Neri and Luciano Bonacini, who were already previously known for their work on the "Nembo" series of Ferraris, had been previously retained by Ferruccio Lamborghini to build the first prototype Lamborghini chassis and engine, the 350 GTV. They had acted as Lamborghini's chassis supplier, before turning that job over to Marchesi once production of the 350 GT was underway. Neri and Bonacini then turned their hand into their interpretation of a high speed Lamborghini GT sports car.[3]

Originally meant to be called the "400 GT Neri and Bonacini" the name was simply shortened to "Monza". The car was reportedly built for an American client for the possibility of racing it in Le Mans. However, homologation problems put a quick end to that plan. The car was eventually sold off at the Barcelona Motor Show to a wealthy Spaniard, where it remained until the owner died in the early 1990s. In 1996, auction house Brooks (now Bonhams) was contacted by the family of the now deceased owner to appraise some other cars, when the 400 GT was discovered in storage. After nine years of negotiations, the car was finally put up for auction at Bonhams for a reported £160,000 to a UK collector.[3][4]

References

  1. ↑ "Lamborghini 400GT". motorbase.com. Retrieved 2008-01-22.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 "Technical specifications of 1965 Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2". carfolio.com. Retrieved 2008-01-22.
  3. 1 2 3 "The Ultimate Barn Find: 1966 Lamborghini 400GT Monza". Motor Trend. 18 July 2006. Retrieved 10 January 2010.
  4. ↑ Lot 629 The property of a lady, 1966 Lamborghini 400GT Monza two-seater aluminium berlinetta 01030, Bonhams, retrieved 2 May 2014
Lamborghini road car timeline, 1963–1989 next »
1960s 1970s 1980s
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Owner Italy Ferruccio Lamborghini Switzerland Georges-Henri Rossetti (51%) / René Leimer (49%) Receivership Switzerland Jean Claude Mimran / Patrick Mimran United States Chrysler
Front/RWD V12 350 GT
400 GT Islero Jarama
Espada
Mid/RWD V8 Silhouette Jalpa
Urraco
V12 Miura Countach
Front/4WD V12 LM002
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