1966 Lamborghini 400 GT Interim in Amelia Island, Florida

Chassis No. 0445
Engine No. 0505
Body No. 1892

When Ferruccio Lamborghini set out to build his own Gran Turismo, he did so as an accomplished industrialist with a deep appreciation for high-performance machinery-and a growing dissatisfaction with Ferrari. Legend has it that after offering Enzo Ferrari suggestions to improve his road cars, Lamborghini was summarily dismissed. Whether apocryphal or not, the encounter crystallized his resolve. His ambition was not to build a road-going race car, but a powerful, refined GT that combined effortless performance with civility and comfort.

In 1963, he founded Automobili Ferruccio Lamborghini S.p.A. He established a modern factory in Sant'Agata Bolognese. He quickly assembled an exceptional team. This included former Ferrari engineer Giotto Bizzarrini, who developed a sophisticated 3.5-litre V12. Gian Paolo Dallara was responsible for a tubular chassis with fully independent suspension. Their first expression of this vision, the 350 prototype, debuted at the Turin Motor Show later that year.

The concept matured into the production-ready 350 GT in 1964. Clothed in elegant Franco Scaglione-penned lines, later refined by Carrozzeria Touring, the two-seat coupe paired Bizzarrini's V12 with a ZF five-speed transmission and Salisbury differential. Hand-built and impeccably finished, Lamborghini's new coupe announced their serious arrival in the rarefied GT market.

Its successor, the 400 GT, introduced a larger 3,923-cc V12 producing 320 horsepower. It also featured a new five-speed transmission built in-house by Lamborghini. Before the complete transition to the four-seat 400 GT 2+2, Lamborghini constructed just 23 "Interim" models. These were the thrilling combination of the 350 GT enhanced with the new 4.0-liter engine and drivetrain. These rare cars occupy a unique place in Lamborghini history, blending the purity of the original design with enhanced performance. With their scarcity, mechanical significance, and classic proportions, the 400 GT Interim stands among the most desirable early Lamborghinis today.

According to the International Lamborghini Registry, this Interim was sold new through Jake Kaplan's Lamborghini East of Providence, Rhode Island on 20 June 1966, in Grigio Saint Vincent Metallic (A/21385), with a Tobacco leather interior. The Registry records this is one of the last cars completed by Carrozzeria Touring before production shifted to Carrozzeria Marazzi by the autumn of 1966. An unusual feature is that, while the car was powered by the 3.9-liter V12 and the Lamborghini-designed transmission, it still retained the earlier English-made Salisbury rear axle. Additionally, unlike other examples originally destined for the U.S. market that received the four-round headlights, this car retained the desirable larger single-piece oval-style headlights.

By 1987, the Lamborghini was in Illinois, where it was purchased by David F. Porter. The fighting bull remained under his care for two years, until May 1989 when it was acquired by Herve Charbonneaux of Paris, France, where it was registered in May 1990. By the late 2000s, a complete restoration had begun under the guidance of the experts at Lorenzini Autosport in Lisbon, Portugal. During the thorough photo documented restoration, the current owner discovered it for sale and purchased it after a detailed inspection with the restoration remaining with talented Lorenzini. The bodywork was stripped bare and refinished in black, while inside, the interior was refreshed with fresh beige leather. The photos also show a complete engine rebuild. The restoration, nearly complete, became the final masterwork of Louis Lorenzini as he suddenly passed away in May 2012.

Once back in the U.S and primed for enjoyment, the Interim has partaken in numerous concours and tours since the completion of its restoration. Most recently, it was shown at the 2022 Greenwich Concours d'Elegance where it won the 'Chowder Award' by the Madison Avenue Sports Car Driving and Chowder Society. In 2025, the rare Interim was invited to join the extremely competitive Post-War European 1965-1985 class where it placed third at Audrain Newport Concours d'Elegance.

Featuring a stunning Carrozzeria Touring bodywork, a potent 4.0-liter V12 engine, a smooth five-speed transmission, and remarkable rarity with just 23 produced, this model stands as a truly exceptional offering. Benefiting from a comprehensive restoration, this rarely seen 400 GT Interim arguably represents the most exciting and collectible realization of Ferruccio Lamborghini's initial vision. It is the ideal showcase of the legendary Italian supercar manufacturer's storied origins.