For Sale at Auction: 1967 Lamborghini 400 in Amelia Island, Florida

Chassis No. 0925
Engine No. 0887
Body No. 23874

Introduced in 1966 at the Geneva Auto Show as the successor to the 350 GT, the Lamborghini 400 GT represented a pivotal moment in the marque's formative years, signaling a shift from artisanal experimentation towards Ferruccio's goal creating of the ultimate grand tourer. While visually derived from the earlier model, the 400 GT was reengineered to better meet the expectations of Lamborghini's growing international clientele, most notably through the adoption of a true 2+2 configuration. A subtly raised roofline and reworked interior increased practicality without compromising the car's elegant proportions, as clothed by Carrozzeria Touring in its lightweight Superleggera construction.

At its heart lay an enlarged four-liter version of Giotto Bizzarrini's magnificent V12, now producing 315 horsepower and paired with Lamborghini's first in-house-designed gearbox, a crucial step toward technical independence. The result was a car that delivered smoother torque delivery, improved drivability, and effortless high-speed cruising-attributes essential to the grand touring brief. Rare as it is beautiful, only 250 examples were produced between 1966 and 1968 with the 400 GT a sales success, particularly in the United States.

Marking the 124th 400 GT built, this Lamborghini was purchased new by a Monzeglio of Torino, Italy, on 31 March 1967, as noted in the International Lamborghini Registry. The entry continues to show it was finished in elegant Grigio Argento (Silver Grey), with the sophisticated grand tourer featuring a Nero (Black) interior. By 1990, the car was acquired by Karl-Heinz Bekenmeier, who, in turn, brought it to the U.S., where it entered his collection in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. In 1992, the Touring coachwork was refinished as it is currently presented in Rosso (Red). With Bekenmeier, the 400 GT was shown at the 2003 Eyes on Design, held at the idyllic home of Edsel and Eleanor Ford in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, where it won the Dream and Production Sports class. It was then shown at the 2005 Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance, where it secured another class victory.

After 16 years under the care of Bekenmeier, the 400 GT entered the collection of an Ohio-based Lamborghini enthusiast in March 2008. They have enjoyed the car, using and showing it regularly at events in the region. The car has received a recent tune-up and comprehensive detailing in preparation for sale. Representing one of the most sophisticated grand touring cars of its era, this Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2, with its timeless Touring-penned lines, is well-poised for continued enjoyment and an ideal addition to any collection, marking one of the early automotive triumphs of Italy's legendary Bolognese fighting bull.