1968 Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2 Coupe

During its two-year production period, the 2+2 outsold the two-seater almost two-to-one. It had a U.S. list price of $14,750, and, at 242 sold (some sources say 247), was one of Lamborghini's more popular model.

The prototype of the 350GTV was shown in Turin in November 1963. Although it was not ready for production when unveiled, it was given a lukewarm reception by the press. The chassis was by Neri & Bonacini and its Scaglione-style body was by Sargiotto. The styling was later passed on to Carrozzeria Touring of Milian for refinement. With its new aluminum-alloy Superleggera coachwork, the new Lamborghini was given a warm reception at Geneva in March 1964. Production was contracted out to Marazzi. The V-12 performance and excellent handling were courtesy of Bizzarrini, with a top speed in excess of 150 mph.

Two years later, the car evolved into the 400GT 2+2. This new car had vestigial rear seating and subtle styling alterations while residing on the same 100.4-inch wheelbase. It was given four headlights to help differentiate it from its predecessor. The floor pan was lowered, and the roof was raised 2.6-inches. Additional interior room was found by revising the upper and lower rear control arms in the front to the rear arrangement. An additional windshield wiper was added, and the body was produced in steel. It had a single 23-gallon fuel tank which replaced the dual 10.5-gallon tanks on the previous model.

Under the bonnet, the 3.5-liter engine was enlarged to 4 liters. Horsepower increased from 280 to 320. The suspension was double wishbones with four-wheel disc brakes, along with a Lamborghini-built five-speed gearbox designed by Chief Engineer Gian Paolo Dallara, replacing the ZF-derived gearbox.

This Car
This Lamborghini, chassis number 1252, was the 216 example produced. It wears Touring production number of 23966. An important collection acquired this car in 2009. Prior to that, it was owned by a business owner in Carmel, California since the late-1970s.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at RM Auction's Scottsdale Auction. It was estimated to sell for $275,000-$375,000.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2013