Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 0526
Engine No. 0514
Body No. 18954
When Ferruccio Lamborghini set out to build his own Gran Turismo,
he was already a successful industrialist with a passion for
high-performance cars-and a growing frustration with Ferrari.
According to legend, Lamborghini approached Enzo Ferrari with
suggestions for improving his road cars. Il Commendatore's curt
dismissal reportedly prompted Lamborghini to build a better car
himself. Motivated by more than a simple grudge, Lamborghini had a
clear vision: a refined, powerful GT that offered both performance
and civility.
To fulfill this ambition, he founded Automobili Ferruccio
Lamborghini S.p.A. in 1963, establishing a state-of-the-art factory
in Sant'Agata Bolognese. He recruited top talent, including
ex-Ferrari engineer Giotto Bizzarrini, who designed a 3.5-liter
V12, and Gian Paolo Dallara, who engineered a tubular chassis with
fully independent suspension. The first prototype, the 350 GTV,
debuted at the 1963 Turin Motor Show.
This led to the production-ready 350 GT in 1964, a sophisticated
two-seater with elegant Scaglione-penned lines refined by
Carrozzeria Touring. Powered by Bizzarrini's V12 and equipped with
a ZF five-speed transmission and Salisbury differential, the 350 GT
was a refined entry into the rarified hand-built GT market. Only
120 Lamborghini 350 GTs were built by 1966.
Lamborghini's next step was the 400 GT, featuring a larger 3,923cc
V12 with 320 horsepower and a new Lamborghini-built five-speed
transmission. Before fully transitioning to the four-seat 400 GT
2+2, Lamborghini produced 23 "Interim" models-essentially 350 GTs
fitted with the upgraded engine and drivetrain. These "Interim"
cars-sometimes called 350/400 GTs-represent a fascinating
intersection of Lamborghini's first design and its mechanical
evolution. With low production numbers, enhanced performance, and
classic lines, the 400 GT Interim remains among the most
sought-after early Lamborghinis today.
A handwritten document listing the build specification of
Lamborghini 400 GTs records the car as being built for the American
market when new the car was fitted with bumper over-riders and
distinctive four-round headlights. Chassis number 0526 has the
added distinction of carrying one of the last bodies produced by
Carrozzeria Touring prior to before production transitioned to
Bertone. The document shows that it was finished in Grigio Arpeuta
(Harp Gray) over a Black leather interior, the car was completed on
25 July 1967 and delivered to Lamborghini dealer and racing legend
Bob Estes of Inglewood, California.
The accompanying history file shows that the car remained in
California when a comprehensive restoration began in April 1996 by
artisans at Brian Anderson's Classic European Restorations of
Oceanside, California. This work involved stripping the bodywork to
bare metal to perfect its form before being finished in its current
presentation of sleek Grigio Medio (Medium Grey). Inside, the
interior was completely renewed with fresh red leather and matching
wool carpeting. At the heart of the project, the Bizzarrini
designed V12 and five-speed manual transmission were completely
overhauled to their original specifications. After scrutinizing
small details and testing the car, this monumental effort was
completed in August 2001. With the work completed, the invoices
total an investment of over $114,000 made to return this
extraordinary early Lamborghini closer to the condition it when it
left Sant'Agata.
As noted on its FIVA ID card, the Lamborghini was then purchased by
Barry Lee Konier of Orange, California in 2002, before the car
entered the acclaimed Jim Patterson Collection in Louisville,
Kentucky in 2007. Under their stewardship, the car earned Best in
Class at the 2007 Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance. Returning to
Europe for the first time in well over 35 years, the car was later
acquired by the acclaimed Klima Lounge Museo in 2011, joining their
extensive Lamborghini collection. Seeking the finest, and rarest
examples, this Interim remained in remarkable condition when it was
successfully shown at Germany's Classic-Gala Schwetzingen Internat.
Concours d'Elegance where it earned an incredible Best in Show
victory in 2011. The car also earned a Mention of Honor in the
Swinging Sixties Style class prestigious Italian Concorso
d'Eleganza Villa d'Este again that same year.
Purchased by the current owner in 2016, this Interim remains in
superb condition today. The stunning Carrozzeria Touring bodywork,
potent 4.0-liter V12, smooth five-speed transmission, and the
rarity of this model combine to create a truly exceptional and rare
offering. The 400 GT Interim perhaps the most exciting and
collectible fulfillment of Ferruccio Lamborghini's initial vision
and remains the ideal showcase of the legendary Italian supercar
manufacturers storied origins.
