Lot 278

Arizona 2012

1969 Lamborghini Islero S Coupe

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$110,000 USD | Sold

United States | Phoenix, Arizona

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Chassis No.
6621

340 bhp, 3,929 cc V-12 engine, six Weber twin-choke carburetors, five-speed manual gearbox, four-wheel independent suspension with unequal-length A-arms, coil springs and anti-roll bars, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 100.4"

• One of 100 Islero S Coupes built

• Early Lamborghini experience: V-12 power and classic styling

Ferruccio Lamborghini commissioned Mario Marazzi of Varese to design a successor to the original 400 GT to keep a luxurious front-engined 2+2 GT in the Lamborghini product line now dominated by the mid-engined Miura. The Islero's resulting clean body shape echoed the Touring-designed 350/400 GT and was much more subtle than the sporty Bertone-designed Espada. It is widely believed that Ferruccio himself had a great deal of influence on the car’s styling, and as a result it became one of his favorites.

This example of the rare, powerful Lamborghini Islero S is offered from a private collection of vintage Lamborghinis located on the west coast. The owner is a marque enthusiast who described these cars as “a labor of love” and has owned almost a dozen in the past. This particular car joined his collection in the early 2000s after having had its original engine rebuilt. Since then he has mechanically sorted every detail of this car and claims it to be one of the best he has ever owned or driven. Upon receipt of the car, the engine was checked to verify the integrity of the seals and timing. The transmission has been checked over as well as the braking, cooling and heating systems. Both brake boosters have been fully rebuilt as have the calipers and the radiator surge tank.

The interior was invitingly patinated, but he opted to replace all the carpeting as well as some of the vinyl elements including the rear package tray. This Islero was also treated to a very high-quality paint detailing along with polishing of the original stainless steel bumpers and re-plating of the smaller chrome pieces. He also notes that the original fog lights and oil cooler have been retained, as they are items that are often lost due to damage or carelessness. The steering is reported to be straight and excellent due in part to fresh tires; the wheels have been properly restored without having their characteristic casting marks removed. All work has been well-documented, and today the car shows just over 57,000 kilometers on the odometer. It is not very often that specialist-owners part with the favorite cars in their collection. We certainly encourage close examination from enthusiasts in search of a correct, well presented Islero.