1968 Lamborghini 400GT Islero 2+2
- Engine
- 3.9L DOHC V12, six Weber carburetors, 320 bhp at 6,500 rpm
- Colour
- Argento silver
Chassis 6318 is the 104th of 125 first-series Lamborghini 400GT Isleros built, completed at the Sant'Agata factory on 11 November 1968 in Argento silver over tobacco leather — the colour combination it retains today. Delivered through Milanese concessionaire Auto Elite to its first owner in the Como region, it subsequently passed through British and American ownership before a comprehensive mechanical and cosmetic overhaul in 2011–2012, after which it placed third in class at the 2012 Concorso Italiano.
Ownership
- 2021-01-21Auction saleSold US$164,000
- 1969 → 1975Private saleFirst owner in the Como regionpartial documentation
Car was registered in the Como area and remained in Italy for roughly six years before being exported to Britain.
- 1969-01-28 →Factory deliveryAuto Elite (Milan concessionaire)full documentation
Factory-appointed dealer in Milan received the finished car from Sant'Agata; acted as distributor before onward sale to first retail owner.
- 1975-07-01 → 1980-08-01Acquisition unknownJohn Henry Lewispartial documentation
First UK keeper after importation; car was assigned British registration during this period.
- 1980-08-01 → 1984-04-01Private saleJohn Theodore Barnesfull documentation
Commissioned a comprehensive drivetrain rebuild and exterior respray to Rosso Corsa at a Bristol garage in 1982.
- 1984-04-01 → 2000Private saleJohn Yearsley of Delawarepartial documentation
Enthusiast who simultaneously held another Islero example; retained the car for approximately sixteen years before selling.
- 2000 → 2017Acquisition unknownWest Coast-based ownerpartial documentation
Commissioned an extensive mechanical and cosmetic overhaul between 2011 and 2012, including engine, suspension, brakes, and a repaint back to original silver.
- 2017 →Private saleCurrent vendorpartial documentation
Had power steering installed in 2018 with supporting receipts; reports the car to be well sorted mechanically.
Competition
- 20122012 Concorso Italiano3rd in class
Achieved after a full mechanical and cosmetic restoration, presented in original Argento silver.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1982Engine rebuildRussell Grove Garage
Comprehensive drivetrain rebuild carried out during Barnes's ownership.
Work undertaken in Bristol; the car was also resprayed to Rosso Corsa at the same time.
- 1982BodyworkRussell Grove Garage
Full respray to Rosso Corsa, replacing the original Argento silver finish.
- 2011Engine rebuild
Carburetors, water pump, and cylinder heads rebuilt with new valves and valve guides installed.
Part of a broader 2011–2012 restoration programme undertaken while the car was on the US West Coast.
- 2011Mechanical
Brake system overhauled with a new master cylinder, new servos, fresh pads, and rebuilt calipers; clutch master and slave cylinders replaced; suspension comprehensively rebuilt with refurbished Koni dampers, new ball joints and bushings throughout, and powder-coated A-arms and springs; pedal cluster rebuilt; new shifter bushings fitted; radiator re-cored; ignition system serviced.
Work carried out over the 2011–2012 period as part of the same restoration programme.
- 2018Modification
Power steering system fitted to the car.
Receipts documenting this work are present in the car's file.
- —Bodywork
Repaint back to the original Argento silver colour, reversing the earlier Rosso Corsa respray.
Completed sometime before 2011; exact date unknown.
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