Lamborghini Islero

Total Production: 225 1968 - 1970
In 1968, the Islero was introduced to the public at the Geneva Auto Show. It featured hidden headlamps and a square body. The bodywork for the vehicle was handled by Mario Marazzi, Ferruccio Lamborghini's former Touring employee.
The Islero retained the inner structure, wheelbase, and square tube chassis of the 400 GT 2+2. Larger wheels were used and this meant the front and rear track increased in size.

It was not as aggressive as the Espada or Miura, but it did offer luxurious benefits such as air conditioning and larger interior. Only 17 Islero's were fitted with Borrani wire wheels.

The Islero was not intended for the track. However, in 1975, Paul Rilly entered a modified Islero in the grueling 24 Hours of Le-Mans. It failed to qualify.

During its production run which lasted only one year, only 125 examples were produced. An S version followed in 1969. This to was short lived, lasting only a year and only 100 being produced. Following the Islero series came the Lamborghini Jarama.

The Islero S contained mechanical and aesthetic enhances over its predecessor. With 350 horsepower available, the vehicle could go from zero-to-sixty in 6.2 seconds and had a top speed exceeding 160 miles-per-hour.

Both the interior and exterior of the Islero received updates. A glove box was replaced by a grab handle. Driver and passenger side windows received fixed triangular planes. The dash was redesigned. The rear window was now electrically heated. New seats replaced the old style. For the exterior, a engine cooling vent was placed in front of each door. The wheel-arches received flaring and an air-intake was mounted on the hood.
By Daniel Vaughan | May 2007